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 Headlines blog, which you can also access via email subscription or RSS feed.

Almaty Subway Station - Our Lady of Almaty (Photo Credit: The Atlantic Cities)

In Kazakhstan, A Beautiful, Futuristic New Subway System (The Atlantic Cities) 

From Almaty in the Central Asian republic of Kazakhstan comes a subway system that will be the envy of many of us for years to come. The system and its beautiful stations are a far cry from the imaginary country made famous by Sacha Baron Cohen’s entertaining, if tasteless movie, Borat. Some of the stations feature marble platforms, elaborate light fixtures and stained glass.

Why Jerry Brown is standing firm on shaky California high-speed rail plan (Christian Science Monitor)

In the face of more bad news nearly daily for California High-Speed Rail, Governor Jerry Brown is standing his ground, claiming that the train will create jobs, accommodate future population growth and aid the environment. Why? Political analysts say “Brown has his eye on history, trying to be mentioned favorably alongside his father, Pat Brown, who was governor from 1959 to 1967 and whose achievements virtually define modern California.” Can he do it? Stay tuned.

L.A. redistricting panel unveils proposed council boundaries (LA Times)

Few people seem happy with the shape of the proposed City Council districts. For example, some residents of Koreatown are upset that their request to keep their community in one district has been ignored. Stay tuned for a vocal City Council meeting.

President Obama’s Chrysler on Sale for $1 Million (CNET)

Why not pick up President Obama’s old car on eBay?  He must be parting with the gas guzzler because he is now either biking or taking the Washington Metro.  At a starting bid of $1 million the auction is a little steep for my wallet.

The 10 coolest airport public transportation routes (USA Today)

With Los Angeles travelers looking forward to a better transit link to LAX, feast your eyes on these options. My favorite, “Best way to a wine tasting: Take Sonoma County Transit bus 62 from the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport south to Old World Winery in Fulton. The winery is a five or 10 minute walk from the bus stop, but the return bus picks up from the landscape center next door. Cost: $2.50 round trip.”

Bike share program divides city hall (Calgary Herald)

From our neighbor to the north comes news of a bike share program for Calgary arriving as soon as mid-2014. The new program will be a nice companion piece to the city’s expanded public transit system, though some critics are expressing concern that not enough on-street bike lanes will be ready by then.

House to introduce five-year, $260 billion highway bill (The Hill)

The House of Representatives is set to take up a five-year, $260 billion proposal on Thursday, February 2.  Among other things the bill would fund the Federal Highway Administration and authorize the collection of the federal gas tax.