Transportation and Mobility

President Joe Biden has granted 39 pardons and nearly 1,500 commutations for prisoners, including former Lubbock businessman Benny Judah. Houston Public Media’s Gail Delaughter looks at how Texas Christmas tree growers keep supplies strong despite a drought over the summer. Between this weekend and the new year, AAA projects 9.1 million people in Texas will travel more than 50 miles from home.

Drivers will still need an emissions test in some counties to get their registration sticker.

Texas Public Radio's Brian Kirkpatrick reports that Texans should find slightly cheaper gas prices at the pump this Thanksgiving than last. As plans for a Dallas to Houston bullet train move forward, KERA's Pablo Arauz Peña has more on hopes to kickstart another high speed rail line in the state. LISD’s Board of Trustees meeting yesterday saw the presentation of recommended campus consolidations and closures, to be voted on Dec. 4th.

Democratic state Rep. John Bucy pre-filed two bills in the Texas Legislature that would kick-start a high speed rail line along the I-35 corridor and direct funding to bullet train projects.

Lubbock’s public transportation provider, Citibus gave a route study presentation at Tuesday’s city council meeting about adjustments, improvements, and expansions to its services. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on the council’s response to the proposed next steps.

Lubbock City Council met yesterday to review a recommended road bond and discuss potential changes to Broadway Street, primarily the use of the road’s historic bricks. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more.

Southwest President and CEO Bob Jordan says research shows passengers “overwhelmingly prefer” an assigned-seat system. He also pledged to improve the airline's financial performance.

The state’s booming population, congestion problems and billions of federal dollars on the table have officials eyeing ways to boost passenger rail.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport says travelers should expect delays Friday as airlines respond to the global technology outage for Microsoft Windows systems.

The Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public comment on the Draft 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program, through July 18, 2024. LMPO's executive director David Jones says the organization is looking for feedback on transit services, the street network, and the public process itself. More information and the link for online comment can be found at www.lubbockmpo.org.