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.

BART turns 40: some history lessons (The Berkeley Blog)

Writer Ethan Elkind has three suggestions for the next 40 years: more development around the stations (meaning some cities need to lift zoning restrictions), more service in the urban core and less service in the ‘burbs.

Reducing vehicle miles traveled: a national perspective (NRDC)

A new survey commissioned by the Natural Resources Defense Council indicates — and I’m not sure this is shocking — that of those polled, many want to see more investment in transit and still feel somewhat beholden to driving. Support for transit reached across the political spectrum.

Profitable or not, China doubles down on investments in new Metro systems (The Transport Politic)

Ridership has been strong on many of the new Metro systems opened across China — but profits have been in short supply. Nonetheless, the nation has decided to forge ahead and keep building local rail projects in large cities because they’ve proven to be very popular (one reason is low fares). As Yonah Freemark points out, China obviously believes increased mobility profits the nation in other ways, even when the farebox doesn’t cover the entire cost.

Rep. Henry Waxman interview (pdf) (Beverly Hills Weekly)

The long-time Congressman is running for reelection. In this long interview (page 8), he is asked about his history with the Westside Subway Extension. He also indicates support for the project as long as safety mitigations are followed.

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