Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

Artists and new infrastructure part of Boyle Heights improvement project along Gold Line (KPCC)

A $12-million project to improve infrastructure along the Gold Line Eastside Extension was announced on Friday and KPCC talks with L.A. City Council member Jose Huizar about the planned improvements. Better walkways, improved safety enhancements and more bike lanes are all on the list. The hope is that the changes will improve access to the line, bring tourists to the Eastside and support the emerging arts community in Boyle Heights.

Drive Less, Pay Less: New Insurance Plans for California (LAist)

Pay-as-you-drive auto insurance is coming to California early next year for State Farm and Automobile Club members. What that means is if you drive less, you pay less. Drivers can either self report their odometer readings or allow the insurance companies track their mileage with a ‘telematics’ device.

Plan B: High-speed track could be used by conventional trains (Bakersfield.com)

High speed rail officials are coming up with a backup plan for the 65-mile Central Valley segment of high speed rail track that was approved last week – just in case the whole high speed rail thing doesn’t pan out. This worst-case-scenario plan is just a concept right now, but the idea is that if high speed rail ends up not happening, the new tracks could be used to improve Amtrak service through the Central Valley. The tracks would allow Amtrak trains to increase their speeds from 79mph to over 105mph, shaving 22 minutes off a about five-hour train/bus trip between Bakersfield and Sacramento or 28 minutes off the about six-hour journey from Bakersfield to the Bay Area.