Department of Energy Gets Basic Math Wrong in its Rail Analysis
When it comes to the carbon consumption of cars, trains, and buses, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DoE) Transportation Energy Data Book [PDF] is an indispensable resource. But this year's Data Book contains an eyebrow-raising error in its analysis of rail's energy use.
September 11, 2009
White House Tells Senate: Grants No Substitute For Infrastructure Bank
The White House has reiterated its commitment to a national infrastructure bank (NIB), urging the Senate to reconsider a 2010 transportation spending bill that would "substitute in its place" $1.1 billion in grants.
September 11, 2009
Today’s Headlines
Washington D.C.’s transit system is looking at a budget deficit even if it hikes fares (GGW) Ford gets behind Senate bill to prod states in to banning texting while driving (Det News) Arizona officials acknowledge their state’s era of ‘roads before transit’ is over (AZ Rep) Columbus, Ohio, helping private company bid for stimulus cash … Continued
September 11, 2009
The ‘Movie Ticket’ Theory of Transportation Pricing
Let's say you're at the movies, and you look up at the box office only to see no ticket prices listed. You know you're going to have to pay for the show eventually -- perhaps even during income-tax season -- but for now you can watch all you want, seemingly for free.
September 10, 2009
Did Oberstar Admit There Won’t Be a Transportation Bill This Year?
The short answer: Nope.
September 10, 2009
Consensus on National Transport Goals Still Eludes Industry Pros
Policymakers and private-sector players seem to be struggling to agree on how -- and whether -- to set national performance targets for America's transportation system, as evidenced by today's debate at a high-profile infrastructure conference.
September 10, 2009
Today’s Headlines
The U.S. High Speed Rail Association is emerging as a lobbying force in D.C. (Roll Call) Is the Justice Department investigating Rep. Don Young’s (R-AK) shady Florida highway earmark? The law says they should be … (CQ Notepad) A mainstream-media look at last week’s vast new study of the benefits of denser development, with obligatory … Continued
September 10, 2009
Dodd Stays at Helm of Transit Panel — But at a Cost to Climate Bill?
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) announced this afternoon that he would stay on at the helm of the Banking Committee, which also has jurisdiction over federal transit issues, rather than move over to lead the health panel previously led by his friend, the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA).
September 9, 2009
How Much Would Most People Pay For a Shorter Commute?
As Washington conventional wisdom has it, raising gas taxes or creating a vehicle miles traveled tax to pay for transportation is impossible during the current recession. After all, who would want to squeeze cash-strapped commuters during tough economic times?
September 9, 2009
Was the Auto Industry Bailout Legal? It’s Debatable, Oversight Panel Says
The Treasury Department sent $81 billion in taxpayer-subsidized aid to General Motors and Chrysler -- which is unlikely to be recouped in full -- using legal authority that "is the subject of considerable debate," according to a report released today [PDF] by the congressionally appointed bailout oversight panel.
September 9, 2009