Transportation

Commentary

California Legislature resolves fast food franchise battle but another industry still rages

This year, the California Legislature resolved a conflict over regulation of the fast food industry and its franchised outlets, but another clash over the legal status of car dealer franchises is still raging.

By Dan Walters • October 2, 2023

Commentary

Bay Area is beginning to resemble chaotic and politically divided Southern California

The San Francisco Bay Area has enjoyed economic and political dominance over Southern California, but the region's once-united front is cracking as a recent dispute over toll increases revealed.

By Dan Walters • August 27, 2023

Reader Reactions

California needs every transportation option to meet climate goals – including hydrogen

California's lack of hydrogen fuel infrastructure is restricting its ability to become a legitimate alternative, and the state needs every transportation option to meet its climate goals, argues a hydrogen vehicle owner

By Gregg Fishman • August 25, 2023

Commentary

Adding speed cameras to California cities won’t target people of color. It’ll protect them

A proposed pilot program to reduce pedestrian accidents in six California cities is receiving pushback because critics believe installing speed cameras would unfairly target low-income communities. A proponent of the bill argues that the disparities in traffic safety is the more urgent issue.

By Darnell Grisby • August 17, 2023

Commentary

California cities lose money and harm citizens with ‘poverty tows.’ Why keep pursuing them?

Tens of thousands of low-income Californians lose their vehicles simply because they cannot afford to pay for parking tickets. Cities don't generate revenue from so-called poverty tows, either. A legislative proposal would reform the practice.

By Guest Commentary • August 15, 2023

Politics

California budget 2023: Key dates toward a deal

California’s state budget is the product of a multi-month, multi-step process that involves the governor, the Legislature, lobbyists, interest groups and the public — with lots of debate, number-crunching and negotiation along the way. This year, those deliberations are especially strained because the state is facing a budget deficit of at least $31.5 billion, a […]

By Sameea Kamal • June 15, 2023

WhatMatters

Is destination in sight for California public transit?

From CalMatters’ state Capitol reporter Sameea Kamal and climate policy reporter Alejandro Lazo: The budget agreement that legislative Democrats plan to pass Thursday partly addresses the major concerns facing some public transit agencies in California, which have pleaded for state assistance as they continue to deal with a statewide $6 billion deficit due in large […]

By Lynn La • June 13, 2023

Commentary

With chronic absenteeism on the rise, why is California making school transportation harder?

A California bill seeking to further regulate school transportation could make it needlessly difficult for third-party services that support vulnerable students, such as foster or homeless youth, to meet the arduous requirements.

By Guest Commentary • May 31, 2023

Commentary

California transit systems’ pleas for aid haven’t moved the Capitol

California's public transit systems say they are facing a "fiscal cliff" and are pleading for state aid, but so far haven't gained much traction in the Capitol.

By Dan Walters • May 31, 2023

WhatMatters

Will California make it easier to build big projects?

If the Legislature approves the sweeping proposals to reform a landmark environmental law that Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed Friday, industry groups and developers may have one less roadblock to face in constructing ambitious projects, including affordable housing and critical infrastructure.  But if the concerns of environmentalists go unaddressed, the state may set off a new […]

By Lynn La • May 22, 2023