Along for the Ride #257
The one where I learn how to voiceover properly
Heya friends, happy Friday.
Yet another week of 🫣 looking at the news. I hope wherever you are, you’re able to take care of yourself and have people around you helping to bring comfort and levity your way.
As many readers know, February is Black History Month in the US. It feels strange to recognize this month while the Cheeto Puff simultaneously tries to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices across the country. DEI practices, if anything, are a watered down initiatives of what needs to take place to repair the damage done by the US’ history of slavery, colonization, and ongoing xenophobia. DEI was the bare minimum, not even a passing grade (if you ask me). As we all try and advance forward through this rollercoaster, I think it’s more important than ever to remind ourselves that even without institutional support, we as individuals can take anti-racism work into our own lives, influence our peers directly, and uphold higher standards of decency than those we elect.
In slightly other news: My newsletter bestie John Surico recently turned his newsletter into a voiceover, and did it properly 😹, and thankfully talked me through how to do it as well. So (in theory) you should see a little “listen to this post” link at the top where you can hear me voice over the edition. Yay.
OK, onto the news!
How cities can protect people from vehicle attacks
Shout out to newsletter bestie John for also being a fantastic journo. I am (shockingly) not his number one fan of all time (his cat Kita likely occupies the top spot), but I am grateful for the topics John chooses to explore and the thoughtful attention he brings to complicated subjects. Case and point: recent terrorist attacks in the US involving large trucks that were rented and killed civilians. On New Years Day in New Orleans, “a man plowed a rented pickup truck through crowds of revelers on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring at least 35”. John discusses what infrastructure (both hard, such as bollards, and soft such as social infra.) can do to prevent these deaths.
Morocco is investing $10.7 billion in their transit system
What’s that?? Good news?? Something to be happy about?? The investment is focused on building high-speed rail and urban transit. This includes expanded the geographical reach of the existing system. “The long-term strategy will increase the number of connected cities from 23 to 43, serving 87% of the population. Additionally, the initiative is expected to create 300,000 new jobs, reinforcing Morocco’s economic and logistical position in the region.” Happy tears!!!!!!!
Uber is going to start offering Waymo rides in Austin
Uber riders in Austin can now opt in for AV preference once AV Uber rides launch next month. This news evoked an interesting article in the NYT titled “Is Waymo friend or foe to Uber?” which questions the complimentary and competing nature of Waymo and Uber’s partnership.
Volvo and Waabi partner to introduce generative AI
Volvo plans to integrate Waabi’s generative artificial intelligence-based technology into freight trucks they are developing. The trucks, are built at Volvo’s assembly plant in Virginia’s New River Valley (news to me that these were built in the US!). Testing is expected to begin later this year.
Tesla fails to deliver “Full Self-Driving” … again
Is this even considered news anymore???? Here’s another take from Bloomberg, but honestly… this isn’t worth the read. I did like this TechCrunch article thought: “Elon Musk reveals Elon Musk was wrong about Full Self-Driving”.
In theory, they might launch a robotaxi service in Austin, TX in June of this year. I shant be holding my breathe.
Taxonomy of pedestrian route choice behaviour
“Pedestrian route choice behaviour has captivated academic inquiry for over a century. Its study has shaped urban planning and influenced the design of more sustainable urban spaces and the discourse on just cities.. Overall, our findings emphasise the multifaceted nature of pedestrian behaviour as influenced by a combination of “objective” environmental factors, subjective perceptions, and emergent dynamic factors. Elements like weather, crowds, traffic, noise, seasonality, and time of day emerged as additional but significant determinants of decisions.”
“After years of political and legal efforts to block it, congestion pricing finally went into effect in New York City in January 2025. Early indications are positive, though threats to its continuation remain. But its journey to this point has already made one thing clear: it is time for the Big Apple to seize more of its own destiny in transportation policy.”
Internships
[San Francisco or New York - Gehl Architects] Summer Internships
Full-time Jobs
[Montreal, CA - Transit App] Business Intelligence Analyst
[Remote, USA - Climate Mayors] Project Manager
[Filed under: behind the scenes of my life vibes] It took my furniture 129 days (over four months) to get to London, and on Wednesday I was finally reunited with my bike Mildred. I’m excited to re-explore London with my beloved bike and that’s my hope glimmer for this week. Pictures of her to come soon!!!
Relatedly: I’ve been slowly unpacking all of my things and am feeling lots of thoughts about being reunited with my things. Being apart from my things was more unnerving than I thought it would be (trust me there is a saga of a story here, but not worth surfacing here). Highlights of unpacked treasures: my grandmother’s rugs, my collection of journals, my favourite mug, and cookware (I have eaten a shocking amount of toast these past four months).
Within 24 hours of my furniture arriving, I welcomed Una (pictured upside down and in a pink, cozy sweater). Una is my friend Rosie’s dog (yes, the Rosie that designed the artwork of this newsletter!) and we’ve been hanging. Una is technically guest editing this edition.
That’s all from me. Have a beautiful weekend friends.
Sarah
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