If you are not convinced that the need for transportation reform is an issue that transcends labels and partisanship, you’ll definitely want to join us for what should be an interesting online debate/discussion on Monday, December 7. A handful of experts from differing perspectives are going to discuss the viewpoints shared in a recent book by William Lind and the late Paul Weyrich called “Moving Minds: Conservatives and Public Transportation.”

Seattle opened a new light rail system this weekend, and it was a smashing success by all accounts. Ridership from the inaugural weekend was over 90,000, and the system is settling into normal revenue service today. Read all about it from fellow Streetsblog Network member Seattle Transit Blog, and check out a huge batch of photos from opening weekend in their Flickr group pool.

Detroit residents get their first look at an ambitious plan to connect the city and its suburbs over the next few decades with a network of light rail, commuter rail, and hybrid buses. (Detroit News — Tanveer Ali)

A proposal to build a $5 billion, 20-mile light-rail line in Honolulu has become the main focus in a primary for the city’s mayorship being held this week. (Associated Press — Mark Niesse)

The Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority is promoting a proposal to build a light-rail line in Indianapolis that could connect people to work, help reduce carbon emissions, and save a whole lot of gas money. (Indianapolis Star — Chris Sikich)

With more details rising to the surface about a proposal to build a light-rail line through downtown Detroit, it’s looking like the motor city could soon become a whole lot friendlier to its car-less residents. (Detroit Free Press — Editorial Board)

With streetcars helping to bring new life to downtowns in Portland, Little Rock and Kenosha, city leaders are taking a second look at using transit to spur community development. (Augusta Chronicle — Tim Rausch)

Some cities across the southwest are increasingly looking at light rail as a way to spur transit-oriented development and respond to demands for more urban-style living. (Governing — Zach Patton)

While some have found plenty of reasons to oppose Seattle’s plan to expand its light rail system and improve bus service, the city’s mayor, Greg Nickels, isn’t buying what the naysayers are selling. (Seattle Times)

Long lacking in viable transportation options, the city of Detroit is now on its way to approving a light rail system that would provide service on an eight-mile stretch to and from downtown. (Detroit News)