Transportation headlines, Wednesday, Feb. 22

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.

Southland gas prices reach highest amount since late May (CBS Los Angeles)

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County has increased 15 consecutive days and 27 times in 28 days and is 19.4 cents more than one week ago, 34.3 cents higher than a month ago and 51.6 cents greater than a year ago, according to figures from AAA and Oil Price Information Service. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County rose Tuesday, increasing 1.2 cents to $4.08. With gas up to its highest amount since May 27, does it make sense to look for options? Find the nearest Metro station or stop and hop aboard. Here’s the Metro Trip Planner to help or call 323-GOMETRO (323-466-3876) and tell them where you need to go.

Villaraigosa for transportation secretary (NBC Los Angeles)

If President Obama wins re-election, Mayor Villaraigosa would be a natural for the cabinet — particularly the transportation secretary post — suggests NBC Los Angeles. They point out that this could be great for L.A., since the mayor’s transportation plans — particularly his 30/10 plan to accelerate the building of Measure R projects —  make sense and could “help him deliver a full rail system for LA — on an accelerated time schedule.” What they don’t mention is that 30/10 would also be a template for transportation funding that could be used by other U.S. cities, which, of course, could positively affect the quality of our precious air.

Private sector reinventing our expressways, one lane at a time (Reason)

Why does congestion keep getting worse? While there is no single answer, a principal reason for ever worsening congestion is that the demand for road space — particularly on urban freeways — greatly exceeds the supply. What can be done about it? Here are a few thoughts on what could work from Reason.

Saving money the old-fashioned way, by not spending it (Grist)

And a final thought on economics: We work 3.84 minutes per day to pay for our bicycles and 2 hours a day to pay for a car, according to James D. Schwartz of The Urban Country. And he’s being conservative, assuming we’re dropping $1,500 on a new commuter bike every five years. My bike didn’t cost that much. Did yours?