ATL Alternative Transportation Examiner

'Slow poke' bill makes its way through GA House
A bill targeting drivers going too slow on Georgia highways was passed by way of unanimous vote by the House Transportation Committee Tuesday afternoon. HB1047, sponsored by Rep. Mark Butler (R) of Carrollton, would attach a minimum $75 fine ...
Submitted: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:41:23 -0700

Beltline design team selected
The Board of Directors at Atlanta Beltline Inc. today approved the selection of Perkins+Will and James Corner Field Operations to lead the design of the 22-mile Beltline Corridor. Following a competitive bidding process and much analysis, the...
Submitted: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:23:14 -0700

Is there any hope for high speed rail in Georgia?
Following his first State of the Union Address, President Obama stood before a town hall gathering in Tampa, Fla. to officially announce his administration’s $8 billion commitment to the development of a high speed rail system in the United ...
Submitted: Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:54:12 -0700

U.S. emphasizes 'livability' in transportation funding overhaul
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a major change in how the U.S. funds transportation projects. In a speech to the Transportation Research Board, LaHood discussed new guidelines for approving federal funding for transportati...
Submitted: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:07:25 -0700

What will new TSA regulations mean for your flight?
The Transportation Security Administration this week announced new security directives that mean airline passengers bound for the U.S. could face a number of new screening techniques. Enhanced security measures - including full-body pat-downs...
Submitted: Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:17:56 -0700

Survey: public transportation ridership down
A recent study released by the American Public Transportation Association showed that, despite a sharp spike in 2008, numbers for public transportation ridership in 2009 are markedly down. The APTA report compared numbers from January throug...
Submitted: Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:45:06 -0700

Underground toll road gains traction
A plan to construct an underground highway beneath east Atlanta received new life this month, appearing at the top of a list of proposed projects released by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The proposal seeks to connect GA-400 and I...
Submitted: Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:55:57 -0700

Beltline encourages community to 'Go West'
The Atlanta Beltline co-op joins the West End and Westview communities on Saturday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the second phase of the Beltline Trail. The day-long event, being dubbed ‘Go West,’ is open to the general publ...
Submitted: Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:06:01 -0700

Will Georgia let high speed rail pass by?
The Federal Railroad Administration announced on Monday that they will begin doling out the $8 billion in federal stimulus funds allocated for high speed rail this winter, with all indications pointing to a late January or early February disbursem...
Submitted: Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:09:08 -0700

Obama Administration scrutinizes airline industry amid financial turmoil
The Obama Administration will meet with aviation stakeholders on Thursday in a closed-door forum to discuss the turbulent state of the airline industry. The assembly - called by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood upon request from the ACL-CI...
Submitted: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:06:48 -0700

Info: Public Private Partnerships
A Public Private Partnership (often referred to as PPP, P3, or P3) is built around a mutually beneficial contract between an agent from the public sector and one or more private parties. In such an agreement, the private investor provides fun...
Submitted: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:33:39 -0700

GDOT rolls out first project list under P3 funding system
The Georgia Department of Transportation this week rolled out a list of potential projects to be funded by the recently adopted Public Private Partnership program, or P3, in hopes of attracting private investors. The P3 program is designed to...
Submitted: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:43:35 -0700

Recap: Beltline arboretum tree planting
Volunteers from all corners of the city flaunted their green thumbs on Saturday as they got down and dirty planting trees along Lucille Ave in Southwest Atlanta. The event, organized by Trees Atlanta, was an effort to encourage community inv...
Submitted: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:38:48 -0700

Southwest Beltline trail gets go ahead
The Georgia Department of Transportation on Wednesday voted to proceed with the development of a multi-use trail in Southwest Atlanta as part of the Beltline’s green space initiative. The 1.4 mile trail, once completed, will run alongsi...
Submitted: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:27:44 -0700

State nixes stimulus funded road signs
State ends policy of erecting stimulus signs.  The Georgia Department of Transportation on Monday announced the end of a policy requiring contractors to install road signs indicating projects funded by federal stimulus funds.  The signs...
Submitted: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:29:05 -0700

Event: Beltline arboretum tree planting
Courtesy: Trees Atlanta   The Atlanta Beltline co-op, in conjunction with Trees Atlanta and several other local non-profits, is encouraging Atlanta residents to take part in the project’s ambitious arboretum vision.   On Sa...
Submitted: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:28:19 -0700

Atlanta Beltline Inc names new president and CEO
    Brian Leary name ABI President and CEO Atlanta’s visionary Beltline Project has a new face today, following an announcement from Atlanta Beltline Inc’s board of directors that they have made Brian Leary their newest Pre...
Submitted: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:05:43 -0700

White House unveils national auto emissions standards
  President Obama alongside Ray LaHood and Lisa Jackson.  The White House today announced a proposal that would further the Obama Administration’s goal to increase overall fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in...
Submitted: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:33:55 -0700

Atlanta to Chattanooga rail line comes alive
         Maglev Train Leaves Shanghai Airport  Proponents of an oft romanticized high-speed rail between Atlanta and Chattanooga saw years of empty hyperbole turn into cold, hard cash on Friday, following an agreement...
Submitted: Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:32:26 -0700

MARTA to run Beltline?
                       Who will run the Beltline? According to a story released by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority has thrown its hat into the ...
Submitted: Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:12:34 -0700

 

 

Georgia DOT News

Secretary LaHood: Wyoming Becomes the 20th State to Ban Texting While Driving

DOT 47-10
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Contact:  Karen Aldana
Tel.:  202-366-9550

Secretary LaHood: Wyoming Becomes the 20th State to Ban Texting While Driving

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today applauded Wyoming for becoming the 20th state to enact a statewide ban prohibiting drivers from texting while behind-the-wheel.  The new ban will allow law enforcement officials to ticket anyone caught texting while driving in Wyoming.

"Wyoming has taken an important step to eliminate distracted driving," said Secretary LaHood. "Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is dangerous to the driver doing it and all of those around them.”

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured.

In 2009, more than 200 distracted driving bills were considered by state legislatures and legislative activity is expected to remain strong in 2010. 
On February 22, Secretary LaHood unveiled sample legislation developed by NHTSA to be used as a starting point for crafting new state laws to prohibit texting while behind-the-wheel.

The sample state law is patterned on the Executive Order issued by President Obama on October 1, 2009, directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles or with government-owned equipment.  Federal employees were required to comply with the ban starting on December 30, 2009. 

In addition, on January 26, Secretary LaHood announced federal guidance to prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses.  Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

Secretary LaHood announced the department’s plan to pursue that regulatory action at the Distracted Driving Summit he convened in September 2009.  The department recently launched a federal website, distraction.gov, as a forum and information clearinghouse. 

 

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Submitted: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:05:04 -0600

BTS Releases December 2009 Airline Traffic Data

BTS 12-10
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568                 

BTS Releases December 2009 Airline Traffic Data;
System Traffic Down 0.6 Percent from December 2008

The number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines in December 2009 decreased by 0.6 percent from December 2008, decreasing by 0.4 million to 57.0 million, the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today reported.  The December 2009 passenger total was 6.2 percent below that of December 2007.

BTS, a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, in a release of preliminary data, reported that U.S. airlines carried 0.7 percent fewer domestic passengers in December 2009 than in December 2008. The number of international passengers on U.S. carriers increased 0.3 percent.  The system, domestic and international load factors in December 2009 were all the highest ever for the month of December.

For the full year 2009, the number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines declined by 5.3 percent from 2008, dropping to 703.9 million, 39.4 million fewer than a year earlier, and the lowest annual total since 2004. For historic numbers, see Traffic on the BTS website. The full-year system load factor of 80.4 percent and the domestic load factor of 81.1 were annual record highs.

For the year, U.S. airlines carried 5.2 percent fewer domestic passengers and 6.3 percent fewer international passengers in 2009 than in 2008. 

            See BTS Air Traffic Release for summary tables and additional data.

###

 

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Submitted: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:05:27 -0600

Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Reach Record Low - Calendar Year 2009 Traffic Fatalities Continue Record Downward Trend

DOT 46-10
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Contact:  Karen Aldana
Tel:  202-366-9550

Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Reach Record Low
Calendar Year 2009 Traffic Fatalities Continue Record Downward Trend

The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that the number of overall traffic fatalities reported at the end of 2009 reached the lowest level since 1954, declining for the 15th consecutive quarter. According to early projections, the fatality rate, which takes into account the  number of miles traveled, reached the lowest level ever recorded.

“This is exciting news, but there are still far too many people dying in traffic accidents,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Drivers need to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their focus on the road in order to stay safe.”

The projected fatality data for 2009 places the highway death count at 33,963, a drop of 8.9 percent as compared to the 37,261 deaths reported in 2008. The fatality rate for 2009 declined to the lowest on record, to 1.16 fatalities per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) down from 1.25 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2008.

“This continuing decline in highway deaths is encouraging, but our work is far from over,” said National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland. “We want to see those numbers drop further. We will not stop as long as there are still lives lost on our nation’s highways. We must continue our efforts to ensure seat belts are always used and stay focused on reducing distracted and impaired driving.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes the decline in 2009 to a combination of factors that include, high visibility campaigns like Click It or Ticket  to increase seat belt use, and Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest which helps with the enforcement of state laws to prevent drunk driving and distracted driving. In addition, the decline is also the result of safer roads, safer vehicles and motorists driving less.

NHTSA annually collects crash statistics from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to produce annual reports on traffic fatality trends.  The agency intends to update 2009 estimates regularly as more data becomes available. The final counts for 2009 will be made available in the summer of 2010.  To view the preliminary fatality statistics visit:  http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811291.PDF

END

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Submitted: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:22:39 -0600

BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI);

BTS 11-10
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen, Tel: 202-366-5568      
                                                                                                                  

BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI);

Freight Index Rose 0.4% in January from December

 

The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.4 percent in January from its December 2009 level, rising after the index was unchanged in December, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today.

 

BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the Freight TSI index has risen 3.3 percent over the last eight months, starting in June. It has increased in six of the last eight months.  The index started 2010 with an increase in January, after having declined 4.1 percent during 2009 and 12.4 percent in two years. For additional historic data, go to http://www.bts.gov/xml/tsi/src/index.xml

 

The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index.  The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.

 

The January Freight TSI of 96.6 is a 3.3 percent increase from the recent low of 93.5 reached in May.  In May, the index was at its lowest level since June 1997. The Freight TSI is down 14.4 percent from its historic peak of 112.9 reached in May 2006.

            See Freight TSI Press Release for summary tables and additional data. See Transportation Services Index for historic data and methodology.

###

 

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Submitted: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:40:37 -0600

Airline On-Time Performance Improves in January

DOT 45-10
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Contact:  Bill Mosley, Tel.: (202) 366-4570

 

Airline On-Time Performance Improves in January 

            The nation’s largest airlines had a higher on-time performance rate this past January than in both January 2009 and December 2009, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). 

According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 18 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 78.7 percent in January, better than both January 2009’s 77.0 percent and December 2009’s 72.0 percent. Starting with this report, Northwest Airlines is no longer a ranked carrier, having merged in January with Delta Air Lines. 

The monthly report also includes data on lengthy tarmac delays, flight cancellations and the causes of flight delays by the reporting carriers, mishandled baggage, and consumer service, disability and discrimination complaints received by DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.  This report also includes reports of incidents involving pets traveling by air, as required to be filed by U.S. carriers.

A news release on the report is available at (insert link).  The full report is available at http://airconsumer.dot.gov/reports/index.htm.  Detailed information on flight delays is available at http://www.bts.gov.

-END-

 

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Submitted: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:33:38 -0600

DOT Fines US Airways for Violation of Price Advertising Rules

DOT 44-10
Monday, March 8, 2010
Contact:  Bill Mosley
Tel.:  (202) 366-4570

DOT Fines US Airways for Violation of Price Advertising Rules

            The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today assessed a $40,000 civil penalty against US Airways for violating rules that require airline price advertisements to disclose the full price consumers must pay for air transportation.

            “When consumers shop for air travel, they have a right to know how much they will have to pay,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.  “We will continue to ensure that airlines comply with our price advertising rules.”

            The Department’s Aviation Enforcement Office found that when consumers searched the carrier’s website for one-way flights sorted by schedule, US Airways provided a set of fares that did not include additional applicable taxes and fees, or any notice on that page that these additional charges would be required.  Under DOT’s requirements for Internet advertising displays, the full fare must either be listed on the first screen that provides fare quotes, or the existence of additional government-imposed per-passenger charges must be prominently disclosed along with a hyperlink that takes consumers to a page that describes the additional charges.

            The consent order is available on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2010-0001.

-END-

 

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Submitted: Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:10:14 -0600

Illegal Interstate Bus Company Is Ordered to Cease All Operations Immediately - FMCSA Obtains Emergency Action to Shut Down Carrier

DOT 43-10
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Contact: Duane DeBruyne
Tel.: 202-360-2935 
202-366-4570

Illegal Interstate Bus Company Is Ordered to Cease All Operations Immediately FMCSA Obtains Emergency Action to Shut Down Carrier

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following an emergency request by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the United States District Court for the Central District of California on Saturday ordered the owner of Tierra Santa Inc, the illegal bus company involved in a March 5 fatal crash near Phoenix, Arizona, to immediately cease all interstate and international passenger service.

The carrier ceased operation on the evening of Friday, March 5 at the demand of FMCSA.  Saturday's order makes that shutdown enforceable by the Court.

FMCSA’s complaint states that the owner of the bus company, Cayetano Martinez of Los Angeles, had previously been shut down by FMCSA, only to attempt to “reincarnate himself as a new carrier” and unsuccessfully attempted to gain U.S. Department of Transportation operating authority under a new name.

“Martinez has shown a persistency and determination to continue operating under new entities and business,” the complaint states.

The consent decree also prohibits Martinez, or any affiliated company, “from contracting with or arranging for additional transportation of passengers unless the contracted motor carrier possesses valid operating authority registration from FMCSA.”

The consent decree does not absolve Martinez from possible future civil penalties by FMCSA for violations of federal motor carrier safety regulations.

“It is absolutely essential that unsafe carriers like this one be taken off the road,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.   “Safety is our number one priority at the Department of Transportation and we will not rest until this accident has been fully investigated.”

“FMCSA investigators are working tirelessly so that we can prevent such a senseless loss of life from happening again,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro.  “We thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their outstanding partnership in bringing this emergency action forward so quickly.”

Click here to view the consent decree signed by Cayetano Martinez.

Click here to view the order signed by Judge George King.

END

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Submitted: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:09:38 -0600

U.S. Department of Transportation Statement on Fatal Phoenix Bus Accident

DOT 42-10
Friday, March 05, 2010
Contact:  Maureen Knightly
202-366-4570
Duane DeBruyne
202-366-0456

U.S. Department of Transportation Statement on Fatal Phoenix Bus Accident

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that Tierra Santa Inc., the company involved in the fatal bus crash in Phoenix today, was operating illegally.  FMCSA investigators are on the premises of Tierra Santa’s place of business and conducting an immediate, onsite compliance review of the company’s safety operations. 

After submitting an application to receive USDOT passenger carrier operating authority in April 2009, the carrier was immediately notified by FMCSA via certified mail that they were “not authorized to engage in the interstate transportation of passengers by commercial motor vehicle during the application review.”  The carrier’s application was officially denied on December 14, 2009. 

“I am deeply saddened by this tragic accident and troubled that this carrier continued to operate without authority and without regard for the safety of its passengers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood. “The Department will take every action at its disposal to keep companies like this one off the road.”

“Today’s accident is an unspeakable tragedy and our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro.  “Two weeks ago, I spoke in Phoenix about the importance of tightening the application and screening process to ensure companies with a history of safety violations are not permitted to jeopardize the safety of everyone on the road.  Our number one priority is safety and we’re committed to preventing these kinds of needless accidents.”

END

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Submitted: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:24:40 -0600

Vice President Biden Announces Nearly 200 New Recovery Act Transit Projects in 42 States

DOT 41-10
Public Affairs: Tel. (202) 366-4570
Friday, March 5, 2010

Vice President Biden Announces Nearly 200 New Recovery Act Transit Projects in 42 States
Awards Mean FTA Has Met Aggressive Deadline to Put 100 Percent of Recovery Act Dollars to Work

WASHINGTON – Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced funding for 191 new Recovery Act transit projects in 42 states and Puerto Rico that will help transform the nation’s infrastructure and support thousands of jobs across the country.  In making the over $600 million in new awards, the Federal Transit Administration met an aggressive deadline to award 100 percent of its Recovery Act transit formula dollars by March 5.

Since President Obama signed the Recovery Act in February 2009, the FTA has awarded 881 grants totaling $7.5 billion, which means all the formula transit funds provided by the Recovery Act have now been “obligated” or committed to specific transit projects.  Once funds are obligated to a project, contracts can be bid, workers can be hired, buses and rail cars can be purchased and work can begin on transit construction projects that create jobs and drive economic growth.  Recovery Act transit projects have already generated enough work to employ thousands of people nationwide and activity is expected to ramp up even further in the months ahead as new projects break ground and equipment orders are fulfilled. 

“Investing in these transit upgrades not only puts construction workers on the job at project sites, but supports American manufacturing jobs all the way down the supply chain,” said Vice President Biden.  “At a time when jobs are priority number one, that means twice the employment bang for the Recovery Act buck.”

“Because of transit projects being built with money from the Recovery Act, thousands of people can pay their mortgages or their rent, make their car payments, put food on the table for their families and maintain their quality of life,” said Secretary LaHood.

So far, Recovery Act funds have supported the purchase of nearly 12,000 buses, vans and rail vehicles, the construction or renovation of more than 850 transit facilities, and the performance of more than $620 million in preventive maintenance, which has helped to save transit service and jobs, and enhance service reliability. 

In addition to the direct employment impact of the projects, domestic bus, seating and rail car manufacturers have received orders that are helping boost production and support jobs.  For example, Orion Bus in Greensboro, NC has now received 10 contracts for nearly 300 buses with Recovery Act funds – orders the company says allowed it to maintain 176 jobs.  Gillig Bus in Hayward, CA has received orders for 790 buses with Recovery Act funds – work the company says has allowed them to support 395 jobs.  And American Seating Company in Grand Rapids, MI, a bus seating manufacturer, says they received $3 million in Recovery Act contracts last year, allowing them to add 11 full-time employees with additional job growth expected in 2010 thanks to the Recovery Act. 

“Investing in modern, efficient transit systems will mean safe, reliable travel and clean air in our communities” said FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff. “These projects are putting thousands of Americans to work right now while improving the lives of millions of Americans for years to come"

The U.S. Department of Transportation is making $48.1 billion available through the Recovery Act for all transportation projects, including highway and bridge, rail transit, small shipyards and airport construction and repairs nationwide.  Of that, $36.8 billion already has been awarded. 

The following FTA Recovery Act awards were announced today:

Alaska

 

Alabama

 

Arizona

 

California

 

California

 

Colorado

 

Connecticut

 

District of Columbia

 

Florida

 

Georgia

 

Georgia

 

Iowa

 

Idaho

 

Illinois

 

Indiana

 

Kansas

 

Kentucky

 

Louisiana

 

Massachusetts

 

Massachusetts

 

Maryland

 

 Michigan

 

Minnesota

 

Missouri

 

Mississippi

 

North Carolina

 

Nebraska

 

 New Hampshire

 

 New Jersey

 

 Nevada

 

New York

 

New York

 

Ohio

 

Oklahoma

 

Oregon

 

Pennsylvania

 

Puerto Rico

 

Puerto Rico

 

Rhode Island

 

South Carolina

 

Tennessee

 

Texas

 

Utah

 

Virginia

 

Washington

 

Wisconsin

 

West Virginia

 

 

###

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Submitted: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:46:18 -0600

Administration Officials, Elected Officials, Business and Community Leaders Discuss Clean Energy Economy Goals at White House Forum

DOT 39-10
March 3, 2010
Contact:  202-366-4570

Administration Officials, Elected Officials, Business and Community Leaders Discuss Clean Energy Economy Goals at White House Forum

WASHINGTON- Today, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan joined other top Administration officials, state and local officials and business and community leaders at a Clean Energy Economy Forum.  

The group discussed the need for comprehensive energy and climate legislation and opportunities to create jobs, expand business opportunities, and drive innovation and economic development by building more efficient, more livable communities.   Administration officials also participated in a constructive dialogue with the attendees about their efforts which are spearheading our transition to a clean energy economy. 

"I am thrilled to join Secretary LaHood today to discuss the investments President Obama and this Administration are making to lay the foundation for a clean energy economy America needs," said Secretary Donovan. "Clean energy is the key to unlocking the potential of America’s economy and our ability to create jobs and build the kind of strong, sustainable, inclusive communities our country needs to compete and prosper in the 21st century."

"Moving toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable America is an urgent priority for the Department of Transportation," said Secretary LaHood. "Our partnership with HUD and EPA will help us refocus our priorities on smart growth strategies that will help Americans lower their household transportation costs, improve air quality by lowering emissions, and reduce our dependence on oil.  And we’ll spur the kind of economic activity that flows into communities when they focus on transit riders, pedestrians, and cyclists alongside cars and trucks."

Top Obama Administration officials have held more than a dozen similar forums and the White House and around the country, including regional Clean Energy economy forums in Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington State.

END

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Submitted: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:17:27 -0600

Department of Transportation DOT News Update

You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

 

BTS 10-10
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568  

BTS Releases North American Surface Trade Numbers for December:
December 2009 Surface Trade with Canada and Mexico Rose 10.5 Percent from December 2008
(State Rankings in Tables 5 and 7)

         Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 10.5 percent higher in December 2009 than in December 2008, with a value of $58.5 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation.  The increase was the first over the same month of the previous year since September 2008 but the value of trade in December still remained 4.0 percent below the value in December 2007. 

      BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 0.8 percent in December 2009 from November 2009.  Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.

      U.S.–Canada surface transportation trade totaled $35.4 billion in December, up 7.8 percent compared to December 2008.  U.S.–Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $23.0 billion in December, up 15.0 percent compared to December 2008. 
     
      Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail, and pipeline.  About 85 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves by land modes.
     
      See BTS Transborder Data Release for summary tables, state rankings and additional data. See North American Transborder Freight Data  for historic data.

                                                                                            -END-

Submitted: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:15 -0600

Secretary LaHood Applauds Passage of Highway Trust Fund Legislation

DOT 38-10
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Contact:  Olivia Alair 
Tel.:  (202) 366-4570

Secretary LaHood Applauds Passage of Highway Trust Fund Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood tonight applauded the Senate for extending critical transportation funding that has been held up since last Friday, disrupting work for thousands of federal and transportation workers nationwide. Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning’s decision to block the legislation last week forced the DOT to furlough nearly 2,000 employees without pay Monday, temporarily shut down highway reimbursements to states worth hundreds of millions of dollars, as well as national anti-drunk driving efforts, and multi-million dollar construction projects across the country.

“I am pleased that the Senate has acted to break its logjam and extend the Highway Trust Fund for another 30 days,” said Secretary LaHood. “This means that our valued employees may return to work. It also means that their important work getting the economy back on its feet, ensuring Americans’ safety and keeping critical construction projects moving will be able to continue.”

Employees should return to work on Wednesday morning.

 

-END-

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Submitted: Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:20:04 -0600

Vice President Biden Announces States Meet Deadline to Put 100 Percent of Recovery Act Highway Dollars to Work

For Immediate Release
Contact:  202-366-4570
March 1, 2010

Vice President Biden Announces States Meet Deadline to Put 100 Percent of Recovery Act Highway Dollars to Work

States Head Into Spring Construction Season with Over 12,000 Recovery Act Projects Funded, Nearly 7,800 Already Underway

CLERMONT, FL – At a Recovery Act construction site outside Orlando today, Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that every state and the District of Columbia met the March 2 Recovery Act deadline to “obligate” – or commit to specific projects – 100 percent of their highway Recovery funds.  Once funds are obligated to a project, contracts can be bid, workers can be hired, equipment and supplies can be purchased and work can begin on construction projects that create jobs and drive economic growth.  Every state met the target by February 26 and more than 30 of them did so at least a week ahead of schedule, putting a total of $26.6 billion to work on highway projects nationwide.  Vice President Biden and Secretary LaHood were joined at the event by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (FL). 

“Construction projects across the country are already creating jobs and upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, but we’re just getting started,” said Vice President Biden.  “Because these projects were funded on-time and, in many cases, under-budget, we’re going to be able to put even more people to work improving our highways just as the spring construction season kicks into high-gear.”

“I’ve been to Recovery projects all across the country, and I always hear the same thing from contractors – this work allows them to keep people working and hire new people, and that’s what it’s all about,” said Secretary LaHood.   “The states have done a great job in getting all these projects out the door, but to create more jobs and continue strengthening the economy, we have more work to do.”

In just one year, funding from the Recovery Act has improved more than 33,000 miles of pavement across the United States.  Of the more than 12,000 highway projects in all 50 states and the District of Columbia funded through the $26.6 billion Recovery Act investment in highway construction, almost 7,800 are underway – and activity on infrastructure projects like these is expected to ramp up even further this spring as the weather thaws and projects obligated over the winter break ground. 

In addition, states around the country routinely received low bids that were 10 to 20 percent - and sometimes as much as 30 percent - below estimates.  These lower than expected bids are allowing states to stretch taxpayer dollars, complete additional projects and create even more American jobs. For instance, last year Alabama used $37 million in ARRA funds to repave a crucial segment of I-59, a savings of 31 percent over the initial project estimate of $53.9 million.  And in Alaska, the Glenn Highway resurfacing project was awarded at nearly 50 percent below the original project estimate. 

The Vice President and Secretary LaHood made the announcement at the State Road 25/U.S. Highway 27 construction site in Clermont, FL, a Recovery project that is currently employing over 50 survey, design and construction workers.  The $20 million project, which will run through December 2011, is expanding nearly four miles of the road from four lanes to six lanes, reducing congestion and improving commute times.  Prince Construction, the contractor for the project, says that the Recovery Act project not only saved the jobs of its own employees, but nearly 60 percent of the funds will go toward hiring subcontractors and buying materials which will help stimulate the economy and put even more Floridians to work.

More than 800 miles of pavement across the state have already been improved thanks to the $1.3 million Recovery Act investment in Florida highway projects.  Of the 588 highway construction projects funded in Florida, 308 of them are already underway. 

"Without Recovery Act money, Florida's economy would certainly be in a much deeper hole," said U.S. Senator Bill Nelson.  "The faster we get going on new roads and high-speed rail, the better."

The one-year milestone comes only two weeks after ground was broken on the Dallas-Fort Worth Connector, the largest investment of ARRA highway funds - $250 million toward the overall $1.02 billion project cost. Several other major Recovery Act-funded projects under construction include:

• I-4/Selmon Expressway in Tampa. Just today, construction begins on the $653 million I-4/Selmon Expressway Crosstown Connector in Tampa to provide direct access for the more than 12,000 commercial trucks that travel through the downtown to and from the Port of Tampa every day. The new Connector will alleviate congestion and create a quicker and easier way to get around for the city’s 340,000 residents.  The project relies on $105 million in ARRA funding.
  
• Nelsonville Bypass in Southeast Ohio.  Ohio is constructing a new, 8.5 mile, four-lane highway to divert freight traffic from US 33, which bottlenecks in the town of Nelsonville. $138 million in Recovery funds are helping fund this final upgrade of the US 33 corridor in southeast Ohio that will take traffic off local roads, which carry 1,700 trucks a day on one of the busiest truck routes in the state.
  
• Merritt Parkway, near Fairfield, Conn. $67 million in ARRA funding is improving safety for the estimated 60,000 drivers who use the Parkway daily by widening shoulders and installing or updating guard rails along 9.3 miles of one of the East Coast’s most congested commuter routes.
  
• South Westnedge Avenue Interchange on I-94 near Kalamazoo, Mich. Last fall, ARRA fully funded this $47.7 million project to fully reconstruct the interchange to ease traffic congestion along this key Midwest corridor that serves an estimated 87,000 drivers daily. One more lane will be added in each direction to widen the road from four lanes to six, allowing cars and trucks to move through Kalamazoo more safely and easily.

RECOVERY ACT HIGHWAY PROJECT ACTIVITY BY STATE

 

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Submitted: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:46:22 -0600

USDOT Furloughs to Shut Down Critical Construction Projects

DOT 36-10
Monday, March 1, 2010
Contact: 202-366-4570

USDOT Furloughs to Shut Down Critical Construction Projects
Secretary LaHood Denounces Political Games During Tough Economic Times

The Department of Transportation will furlough nearly 2,000 employees without pay Monday, temporarily shutting down highway reimbursements to states worth hundreds of millions of dollars, national anti-drunk driving efforts, and multi-million dollar construction projects across the country.

The action comes as a result of Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning’s decision to block key legislation that would have extended several critical priorities for middle class families. That legislation covered tax credits for COBRA health coverage, unemployment insurance for 400,000 people, as well as the short-term extension of the Highway Trust Fund. The Fund supports all surface transportation programs for the nation – highways, bridges, transit and safety inspections, as well as efforts to encourage seat belt use and to fight distracted and impaired driving.

“As American families are struggling in tough economic times, I am keenly disappointed that political games are putting a stop to important construction projects around the country,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This means that construction workers will be sent home from job sites because federal inspectors must be furloughed.”

Because of the shutdown, federal inspectors will be removed from critical construction projects, forcing work to come to a halt on federal lands. Projects span the country, including the $36 million replacement of the Humpback Bridge on the George Washington Parkway in Virginia, $15 million in bridge construction and stream rehabilitation in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, and the $8 million resurfacing of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi.  A full list of the FHWA construction projects affected by the furlough is below.

At the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the furloughs will disrupt safety programs that operate in partnership with the states and advocacy groups, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The programs are designed to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities totaling 37,000 a year in areas including distracted driving, child passenger safety and motorcycle safety. Activities affected include national media and enforcement campaigns such as “Click It or Ticket,” and “Drunk Driving: Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” 

Assistance to consumers whose goods are held hostage by rogue moving companies will be unavailable during this period. And work addressing texting while driving for commercial truck and bus drivers, electronic on-board recorders and hours of service will also be suspended.

Employees at the Department of Transportation should report for work Monday morning as they normally would unless given specific alternate instructions. Furloughs will affect employees funded by the Highway Trust Fund at the following agencies: the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.

Employees may find more information about the furloughs and when they will be able to return to work at www.dot.gov, as well as Secretary LaHood’s blog, Fast Lane, at www.fastlane.dot.gov. Information will also be available at Secretary LaHood’s twitter account, www.twitter.com/RayLaHood, and at his facebook page, www.facebook.com/sec.lahood.

Federal Lands Construction Affected By Furlough
State	Project	Cost
Alaska	Tongass National Forest road clean up	$1,100,000
Alaska	Coffman Cove Dock construction	$885,000
Arizona	Coronado National Monument main park entrance	$1,500,000
Arkansas	East Fly Gap and Gunner Pool Roads landslides restoration	$923,000
California	Sequoia National Park main entrance	$15,000,000
California	South Fork Smith River	$13,800,000
California	Golden Gate National Recreation Area road construction	$8,700,000
District of Columbia	9th Street Bridge replacement	$50,000,000
Georgia	Chicakamauga & Chattanogga National Military Park constrution	$634,000
Idaho	Salmon River Road Nez Perce National Forest consctruction	$20,133,000
Idaho	Little Salmon River Bridge Nez Perce National Forest intersection	$3,800,000
Idaho	Fernan Lakes Idaho Panhandle National Forest	$14,600,000
Illinois	McRraven Road reconstruction	$1,100,000
Maryland	Great Falls Park entrance road construction	$3,100,000
Maryland	Piscataway National Park erosion and slope damage repair	$89,000
Mississippi	Natchez Trace Parkway resurfacing	$8,100,000
Mississippi	Natchez Trace Parkway trail construction (Ridgeland County)	5,600,000
Mississippi	Vicksburg National Military Park road rehabilitation and resurfacing	$5,000,000
Mississippi	Natchez Trace Parkway trail construction (Madison County)	$4,700,000
New Mexico	Carlsbad Caverns National Monument roadway rehabilitation	$9,000,000
North Carolina	Newfound Gap road rehabilitation	$9,900,000
North Carolina	Blue Ridge Parkway reconstruction and resurfacing	$6,000,000
North Carolina	Goshen Creek Bridge replacement	$3,000,000
Ohio	Fitzwater Road bridges replacement	$4,400,000
Oregon	Beaver Creek Road Ochoco National Forest	$6,200,000
South Carolina	Ft. Sumter Historic Site entrance road and parking area rehabilitation	$262,000
Tennessee	Cades Cove Loop Road rehabilitation	$6,700,000
Tennessee	Shilo National Park tour roads and parking area rehabilitation	$3,000,000
Tennessee	Catossa Wildlife Management Area bridge replacement	$1,000,000
Utah	Bear River Access Road	$13,800,000
Virginia/DC	George Washington Parkway Humpback Bridge replacement	$36,000,000
Virginia	Blue Ridge Parkway reconstruction and resurfacing	$12,000,000
Virginia	Petersburg Park tour road relocation	$1,500,000
Puerto Rico	Vieques National Wildlife Refuge road and bridge reconstruction	$6,000,000
Puerto Rico	El Yonque National Forest slide repair	$3,000,000
U.S. Virgin Islands	Christiansted Bypass construction	$14,000,000
U.S. Virgin Islands	Centerline Road reconstruction	$9,000,000
U.S. Virgin Islands	St. John roundabout construction	$7,200,000
U.S. Virgin Islands	Long Bay Road reconstruction	$5,500,000
U.S. Virgin Islands	University of Virgin Island sidewalk construction	$988,000
U.S. Virgin Islands	North Shore Road reconstruction	$448,000

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Submitted: Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:19 -0600

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Awards Nearly $10 Million in Training Grants for Minority and Women Owned Businesses

DOT 33-10
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Contact:  Doug Hecox
Tel:  202-366-0660

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Awards Nearly $10 Million
in Training Grants for Minority and Women Owned Businesses
Federal Aid to Help Disadvantaged Businesses in 33 States
           
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $9.9 million in grants to provide training and other services to minority- and women-owned businesses in 33 states to help them compete for highway contracts.

“The U.S. Department of Transportation has an excellent history of reaching out to small businesses owned by women, veterans and minorities,” said Secretary LaHood. “Nearly half the contracts we award each year go to these types of firms.”

The “Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Supportive Service (DBE/SS)” grants are part of an ongoing federal effort to help state departments of transportation train certified DBE firms on subjects ranging from contract and business management, to procurement assistance and how to secure bonding. The goal of the program is to help them successfully compete for federal highway projects.

“By helping small businesses like DBEs, this program enriches the competition for federal highway contracts,” said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. “More vigorous competition not only results in lower costs to taxpayers for roads and bridges, but more jobs for workers.”

A DBE is a for-profit, small business owned by minorities, women or economically disadvantaged individuals or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals. The daily business operations must be controlled by at least one of the socially and economically disadvantaged owners.

In 1982, FHWA began promoting the participation of DBEs in federal-aid highway contracts through the development of state-run supportive services programs. “Supportive services” are those activities that are designed to contribute to the growth and eventual self-sufficiency of DBEs so they may improve their ability to compete for federal highway contracts and subcontracts.
 
For more information about FHWA’s DBE program, visit http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/civilrights/dbe_program_i.htm.
           
The 2010 DBE/SS award recipients include the following:

State	Allocation Amount
Alabama	$384,312
Alaska	$158,920
Arizona	$417,468
Arkansas	$198,999
California	$867,114
Colorado	$294,573
Connecticut	$257,904
Florida	$279,353
Georgia	$235,658
Idaho	$  86,604
Illinois	$806,481
Indiana	$474,458
Kansas	$154,651
Louisiana	$322,525
Maine	$  96,325
Massachusetts	$201,662
Michigan	$419,766
Minnesota	$883,718
Montana	$230,862
Nevada	$231,730
New York	$418,686
Ohio	$331,836
Oklahoma	$  30,930
Pennsylvania	$335,179
Puerto Rico	$  65,199
South Dakota	$  81,925
Tennessee	$417,247
Texas	$220,929
Utah	$138,112
Vermont	$154,651
Washington	$170,911
West Virginia	$384,219
Wyoming	$126,014
Total Allocation	$9,878,921

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Submitted: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:05:44 -0600

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Meets Iraq’s Transport Minister and Signs Memorandum of Cooperation

DOT 32-10
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Contact:  Lori Irving
Tel.: 202-366-4570

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Meets Iraq’s Transport Minister and Signs Memorandum of Cooperation

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood met Iraq’s Minister of Transport Amer Abdul-Jabbar Ismael yesterday for a historic signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation to promote cooperation in all areas of transportation. 

“Reliable and safe transportation is essential to sustain any country’s economy,” Secretary LaHood said.  “I look forward to working with Minister Amer Ismael as Iraq further develops and improves its transportation system.”

The meeting marked the first visit by an Iraqi Minister of Transportation to the United States in over 20 years.  Iraq's Transport Minister was in the United States leading a delegation that visited U.S. civil aviation and maritime port facilities as well as holding meetings with government and industry aviation officials.

The signing of the MOC is instrumental in facilitating cooperation in transportation. Cooperation will take place through the exchange of scientific and technical information on subjects of mutual interest; the exchange of specialists, delegations, scientific and technical personnel; joint organization of symposia, seminars, and other meetings; and joint research in transportation science and technology.

END

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Submitted: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:10:38 -0600

Department of Transportation DOT News Update

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Submitted: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:32:28 -0600

Department of Transportation DOT News Update

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DOT  31-10
Monday, February 22, 2010
Contact:  Karen Aldana
Tel:  202-366-9550
 
New Sample Bill will Aid States in Banning Texting While Driving
Sample Bill Supported by Auto and Wireless Industries and the Safety Community
 
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today unveiled sample legislation to be used as a starting point for states crafting new laws to prohibit texting while behind-the-wheel, the latest step in the campaign against distracted driving.
 
The sample state law, prepared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a cross-section of safety and industry organizations, would authorize law enforcement officers to stop a vehicle and issue a citation to drivers who are texting while driving. 
 
"Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while driving, is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening practice," said Secretary LaHood.  “This language, which we created with a variety of safety organizations, is another powerful tool in our arsenal to help the states combat this serious threat.”
 
There is heightened concern about the risks of texting while driving because texting combines three types of distraction – visual, taking the eyes off the road;  manual, taking the hands off the wheel;  and cognitive, taking the mind off the road. 
 
According to NHTSA research, nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. Research also shows that the most frequent offenders are the youngest and least-experienced drivers, men and women under 20 years of age.
 
"Our top priority is safety and we are determined to help the states eradicate the dangerous practice of texting while driving," said David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
The sample state law is patterned on the Executive Order issued by President Obama on October 1, 2009, directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles or with government-owned equipment.  Federal employees were required to comply with the ban starting on December 30, 2009. 

In addition, on January 26, Secretary LaHood announced federal guidance to prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses.  Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

Secretary LaHood announced the department’s plan to pursue this regulatory action at the Distracted Driving Summit he convened in September 2009.  The department recently launched a federal website, www.distraction.gov, as a forum and information clearinghouse.  Distraction.gov is a source of comprehensive information on distracted driving.
 
Currently, nineteen States and the District of Columbia have texting laws covering all drivers.  In 2009, more than 200 distracted driving bills were considered by State legislatures and legislative activity is expected to remain strong in 2010.  

Click here to see the sample bill and the groups that participated in drafting it.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/DOT/NHTSA/Rulemaking/Texting_Law_021910.pdf

                                                                                                   -END-

Submitted: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:23:20 -0600

Department of Transportation DOT News Update

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BTS 09-10
Monday, February 22, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568  

BTS Releases December Passenger Airline Employment Data;
December 2009 Employment Down 3.3 Percent from December 2008
     
      U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 3.3 percent fewer workers in December 2009 than in December 2008, the 18th consecutive decrease in full-time equivalent employee (FTE) levels for the scheduled passenger carriers from the same month of the previous year, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today.  FTE calculations count two part-time employees as one full-time employee.
     
      BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the December FTE total of 379,100 for the scheduled passenger carriers was 12,900 below December 2008 and the lowest total for any month since 1993. Historic employment data can be found on the BTS web site.
     
      Six of the seven network airlines decreased employment from December 2008 to December 2009.  Delta Air Lines, which is completing its merger with Northwest Airlines, was the lone network carrier to increase employment. Network airlines operate a significant portion of their flights using at least one hub where connections are made for flights to down-line destinations or spoke cities.
     
      Low-cost carriers Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines also reported decreases from December 2008. Regional carriers American Eagle Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Comair, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Pinnacle Airlines, Horizon Air, Mesa Airlines, Air Wisconsin Airlines, Mesaba Airlines, PSA Airlines and Colgan Airlines also reported reduced employment levels compared to last year. 
     
      Scheduled passenger airline categories include network, low-cost, regional and other airlines. 
     
      The seven network airlines employed 258,100 FTEs in December, 68.1 percent of the passenger airline total, while low-cost carriers employed 16.5 percent and regional carriers employed 13.9 percent.

      See BTS Passenger Airline Employment press release for summary tables and additional data.

                                                              ###

Submitted: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:16:41 -0600

BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI)

BTS 08-10
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568                                                                                                                        

BTS Releases Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI);

Freight Index was Unchanged in December from November

 

The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) was unchanged in December from its November level, after one monthly increase, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today.

 

BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that though the Freight TSI declined 4.1 percent during 2009 the index increased 2.9 percent over the last seven months of the year, beginning in June. For additional historical data, go to http://www.bts.gov/xml/tsi/src/index.xml

 

The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index.  The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.

 

The December Freight TSI of 96.2 is a 2.9 percent increase from the recent low of 93.5 reached in May.  In May, the index was at its lowest level since June 1997. The Freight TSI is down 14.8 percent from its historic peak of 112.9 reached in May 2006.

 

            See Freight TSI Press Release for summary tables and additional data. See Transportation Services Index for historic data and methodology.

END

 

 

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Submitted: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:37:00 -0600

Updated contact info for TIGER Grant Releases

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Submitted: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:22:25 -0600

Secretary LaHood Announces Funding for Over 50 Innovative, Strategic Transportation Projects through Landmark Competitive TIGER Program

DOT 30-10
February 17, 2010
Contact:  Olivia Alair
Tel.:  202-366-4570

Secretary LaHood Announces Funding for Over 50 Innovative, Strategic Transportation Projects through Landmark Competitive TIGER Program
Recovery Act-Funded Projects Will Create Jobs, Spur Lasting Economic Growth

KANSAS CITY, MO - One year to the day after President Obama signed the historic American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) into law, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will announce Recovery Act awards to states, tribal governments, cities, counties and transit agencies across the country to fund 51 innovative transportation projects.

The TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant Program was included in the Recovery Act to spur a national competition for innovative, multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional transportation projects that promise significant economic and environmental benefits to an entire metropolitan area, a region or the nation.  Projects funded with the $1.5 billion allocated in the Recovery Act include improvements to roads, bridges, rail, ports, transit and intermodal facilities.

In an overwhelming show of demand for the program, the U.S. Department of Transportation was flooded with more than 1,400 applications from all 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia requesting funding for almost $60 billion worth of projects – 40 times the amount available through the program.

“TIGER grants will tackle the kind of major transportation projects that have been difficult to build under other funding programs,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This will help us meet the 21st century challenges of improving the environment, making our communities more livable and enhancing safety, all while creating jobs and growing the economy.”

The projects announced today will create jobs and spur lasting economic growth, reduce gridlock for the traveling public, and provide Americans with more safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation choices.  They will also help factories, farms and businesses across the U.S. move goods more efficiently and better compete in the global economy. Sixty percent of the funding will go to economically distressed areas, which are home to 39 percent of the U.S. population.

Awardees were selected based on their contribution to economic competitiveness of the nation, improving safety and the condition of the existing transportation system, increasing quality of life, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrating strong collaboration among a broad range of participants, including the private sector.

Projects were funded in large cities as well as rural and tribal communities across the country and were selected based on merit. Selected projects represent some of the most innovative projects as well as multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects that are often overlooked by the existing funding system.  The winning TIGER projects highlighted the diversity of transportation needs throughout the U.S. from grand Moynihan Station in New York City, which will carry millions of train and subway riders each year to “the most beautiful drive in America” – Wyoming’s Beartooth Highway – the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. They ranged from major billion dollar freight rail corridors in the Midwest and South, to bridge repairs in Oklahoma and South Carolina to port projects in Maine and Hawaii.

TIGER funds will also help construct the Union Passenger Terminal/Loyola Streetcar Loop in New Orleans, make safety improvements to a key highway in New Mexico Najavo country and spur economic growth in Appalachia through the Appalachian Regional Short Line Rail Project and the Gateway Project. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation required rigorous economic justifications for projects more than $100 million and will require all recipients to report on their activities on a routine basis. A complete list of recipients can be viewed HERE.

END

 

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Submitted: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:42:17 -0600

NHTSA Launches Probe into Timeliness of Three Toyota Recalls

DOT 29-10
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Contact: Olivia Alair
Tel: 202-366-4570

NHTSA Launches Probe into Timeliness of Three Toyota Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced that it is using its statutory authority to obtain documents from Toyota to determine if the automaker conducted three of its recent recalls in a timely manner. Federal law requires all auto manufacturers to notify NHTSA within five days of determining that a safety defect exists and promptly conduct a recall.

"Safety recalls are very serious matters and automakers are required to quickly report defects," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The auto safety agency is requiring Toyota to provide documents showing when and how it learned of the defects affecting approximately 6 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. The probe will examine how the manufacturer learned of these defects, such as through consumer complaints or factory testing. Investigators are also looking into whether Toyota discovered the problems during pre-production or post-production of the affected vehicles.

Officials are checking whether Toyota has covered all affected models in its recent recalls to ensure Toyota did not miss any problems. The agency will obtain information on production data, incidents, complaints, warranty complaints, copies of tests, dates of meetings, timelines, and supplier information.

The three recalls in question involve various Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Two of the recalls are related to the entrapment of gas pedals by floor mats. The first recall was announced on September 26, 2007 and was followed by a subsequent one on October 6, 2009. The October recall was expanded on January 29, 2010 to include additional vehicles. The third recall, involving sticking gas pedals, was announced on January 21, 2010. Please go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ for more information.

"Our top priority is safety and we expect that all manufacturers address automotive safety issues quickly and in a forthright manner," said David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NHTSA has the authority to seek civil penalties for a variety of violations by manufacturers, equipment suppliers, registered importers and vehicle customizers. If agency officials determine that an auto manufacturer violated its statutory obligations, the manufacturer could be liable for a maximum of $16.4 million in civil penalties.

END

 

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Submitted: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:21:52 -0600

BTS Releases November 2009 Airline Traffic Data; System Traffic Up 1.6 Percent from November 2008

BTS 7-10
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Contact: Dave Smallen
Tel: 202-366-5568                 

BTS Releases November 2009 Airline Traffic Data; System Traffic Up 1.6 Percent from November 2008

The number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines in November 2009 increased by 1.6 percent from November 2008, increasing by 0.8 million to 54.9 million, the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today reported.  November was the second month in the last three to show an increase from 2008 but last year’s numbers were already reduced from 2007.  The November 2009 passenger total was 11.3 percent below November 2007.

BTS, a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, in a release of preliminary data, reported a record-high November passenger load factor of 78.9 percent.  Airlines reduced capacity in November from a year earlier by 3.5 percent, measured by available seat-miles, contributing to the November load factor record.

U.S. airlines carried 2.1 percent more domestic passengers than in November 2008. International passengers on U.S. carriers decreased 2.3 percent.  The domestic load factor of 79.2 percent in November 2009 was the highest ever for the month of November.

For the first 11 months of 2009, the number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines declined by 5.7 percent from the same period in 2008, dropping to 647.0 million, 38.9 million fewer than a year earlier, and the lowest January-to-November total since 2004. For historic numbers, see Traffic.

U.S. airlines carried 5.5 percent fewer domestic passengers and 6.8 percent fewer international passengers in the first 11 months of 2009 than during the same period in 2008.

            See BTS Air Traffic Release for summary tables and additional data.

###

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Submitted: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:04:14 -0600

DOT Proposes Approval of oneworld Antitrust Immunity Application

DOT 28-10
Contact: Bill Mosley
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Tel.: (202) 366-4570

DOT Proposes Approval of oneworld Antitrust Immunity Application

            The U.S. Department of Transportation today proposed to grant antitrust immunity to American Airlines and four international partners to form a global alliance. 
Under the proposal, the airlines must agree to conditions to protect consumers and preserve competition. 

            If the decision is made final, American and its “oneworld” alliance partners British Airways, Iberia Airlines, Finnair and Royal Jordanian Airlines would be able to more closely coordinate international operations in transatlantic markets.

            In today’s show-cause order, the Department tentatively found that granting antitrust immunity to the oneworld alliance would provide travelers and shippers with a variety of benefits, including lower fares on more routes, increased services, better schedules and reduced travel and connection times.  The Department also said the proposed alliance would enhance competition around the world by creating competition with the existing Star Alliance and the SkyTeam alliance, which already have been granted immunity.
           
            However, the Department also noted that the alliance could harm competition on select routes between between the United States and London’s Heathrow Airport, oneworld’s primary hub, where the availability of landing and takeoff slots is limited.  As a condition of approval, the Department is proposing in its show-cause order that the applicants make four pairs of slots available to competitors for new U.S.-Heathrow service.  The Department also would require changes to the agreement to ensure capacity growth, and require the carriers to submit traffic data and implement the proposed alliance within 18 months of a final decision.

            Interested parties are invited to show cause why the proposed decision should not be made final.  Objections are due in 45 days, and answers to objections 15 days afterward.  Following the comment period, the Department will review all filings and then issue a final decision.

            Today’s proposed decision, comments and other documents in the case are available on the Internet at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2008-0252.

END

 

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Submitted: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:54:17 -0600