Here are newspaper and magazine stories, news releases and other items relevant to San Francisco Bay Area transportation. This week's pick.

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MAY 7

Summer gas tax elimination is nonsense and pandering: letters from readers

Ethanol commitment scrutinized so soon? In a dramatic reversal, ethanol has shifted from being an object of widespread, bipartisan praise to one of derision, even among some of its past supporters.

Oil profit tax nonsense: Unfortunately, we are getting little intelligent discussion of the issue from the leading presidential candidates. (Editorial, MediaNews)

Test drive of 2007 ZENN electric vehicle inspires elation -- and fear: The 2007 Zenn electric vehicle that I recently test drove filled me with elation – and fear.

New York bicycle commuters face an uphill climb: With rising gas prices and concern over auto emissions, more workers are taking to two wheels. But they must navigate an obstacle course of anarchic traffic conditions.

Public voice may alter Muni’s plans: Public outcry about the proposed elimination of bus lines will force Muni to steer its overhaul of the system in another direction, the transit agency’s top official said.

Drivers Use Social Site To Avoid Speed Traps: Officials Are Happy Drivers Are Slowing Down

MAY 6

Gas-tax gimmickry: Both Sens. John McCain and Hillary Clinton likely know better. Congress isn't likely to grant their wish for a break from the 18.4 cent per gallon tax. The list of what's wrong with this gimmick is a long one. (Editorial, Chronicle)

Vegetable oil fuels cars -- and tax bills: Diesel owners who switch to cooking grease can run afoul of the law. Just ask the governor.

Run a Red Light, It Goes on the Tab: Here is the relevant language in the Avis contract, outlining a provision that is similar to those imposed by other car rental companies: “You may bill all charges, parking/traffic tickets included, to the card I use for payment, without any additional signature by me on a voucher.”

MAY 5

Candidates pandering on gasoline tax: This "gas tax holiday" makes no sense economically for the short or long term. (Editorial, MediaNews)

Safety concerns on the nation's radar: As controllers keep their eyes on the skies, mistakes and cover-ups are surfacing.

China Satellite Navigation System Planned for 2010: Like GPS, Galileo and Glonass, Beidou/Compass would be free of direct user charges but also feature an encrypted signal for authorized users only, presumably including the Chinese military.

GASOLINE-TAX REPRIEVE: AN IDEA RUNNING ON EMPTY: Minimal cost savings, increased dependence on foreign oil, and high administrative costs are among reasons why this idea ran out of gas.

MAY 4

Weekend motorcyclists now weekday commuters: "Compared to a car, there are a lot of advantages (to a motorcycle)," said Scott Thompson of Concord, who brought a restored 1967 Triumph TR6 to exhibit at the event, held on the sprawling greensward near the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay.

Gas-tax holiday risks causing a hangover: Treated by politicians like a party favor, plan doesn't even guarantee lower pump prices.

Opposition to ferry parking garage is a mistake: THE SIERRA CLUB'S opposition to building an expanded garage at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal is a bad idea.

Homeland Security to test high-tech buoys: The "sonobuoys" can pick up sounds made by everything from 25-foot speedboats commonly used in the drug trade to lumbering ships.

Lessons Every Transportation Engineer and Planner Need to Learn: THESE LESSONS ARE INTENDED TO HELP YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AVOID MANY OF THE PITFALLS THE AUTHOR ENCOUNTERED DURING HIS CAREER.

MAY 3

$7.1 million grant for city transit security: The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency plans to use the money for new closed-circuit television cameras, fencing, subway lighting and other security measures.

Benicia looks to increase mass transit ridership: With skyrocketing fuel prices and mounting concerns about vehicle emissions, the city is moving to make riding mass transit easier and encourage ridership.

Ethanol defended by President Bush: The corn-based biofuel isn't the main reason for high food prices, he says, and 'it makes sense for America to be growing energy.'