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.

The Virtues of Investing in Transportation (New York Times)

Another day, another article about the need for the U.S. to get serious about infrastructure spending – and why it just makes good economic sense. One of the most salient points made in this article: investing in public infrastructure helps the private sector. Seems like common sense, but as the article notes, infrastructure spending is at about the same level it was in 1968 (taking into account inflation and depreciation).

Put Union Station Tie in Streetcar Vision (L.A. Downtown News)

The Downtown News thinks that failing to link the proposed downtown streetcar to Union Station would be an oversight akin to the Green Line passing just short of LAX. Despite the higher cost that would almost certainly be involved in bringing the streetcar to Union Station, the authors feel it’s worth the cost because it would tap into the ridership base already coming into Union Station and encourage more car-free trips by linking to the larger transit system. Personally, I agree with the editorial – if you’re going to spend the money on a streetcar, it pays to ensure it’s tightly integrated into our growing transit network.

Top Ten Reasons to Have the Subway Station at Constellation & Avenue of the Stars (Century City Chamber of Commerce)

Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? The Century City Chamber of Commerce has put one together in defense of putting the subway station at Constellation & Avenue of the Stars – in the heart of Century City. I found #9 an interesting reason: “Will reduce the need for shuttles to bring passengers from the outside fringe areas on Santa Monica Blvd., to the center of the business district.” The Santa Monica station is about a five minute walk from the more centrally located Constellation/Avenue of the Stars station – would businesses feel compelled to provide shuttles for employees if the station was located on Santa Monica? It’s something I hadn’t considered before.