Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, convened the first in a series of field hearings and roundtable discussions on critical transportation issues Jan. 27 in New York City. The hearing focused on high-speed rail in the Northeast Corridor, specifically the need for transportation choices in the most densely populated and congested U.S. region and ensuring inclusion of private sector investment. [More]

President Barack Obama cited transportation infrastructure investment—including high-speed rail—as a priority for his administration during his 2011 State of the Union Address on Jan. 25. He listed support for infrastructure—“from high-speed rail to high-speed Internet”—as his “third step in winning the future,” following leadership in research and technology and strengthening the U.S. education system. “To attract new businesses to our shores, we need the fastest, most reliable ways to move people, goods, and information—from high-speed rail to high-speed Internet.” [More]

The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), using enhanced methodology, has incorporated the latest traffic speed data into its newest report—with the results showing in increased detail the positive impact of public transportation on U.S. traffic patterns. [More]

The federal commitment to high-speed rail remains high and the federal government will release its high-speed rail funding on schedule, DOT officials said at a Jan. 25 session during the Transportation Research Board’s 90th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. [More]

Steering a Lane Transit District (LTD) EmX bus rapid transit (BRT) vehicle, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) – former chair of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – drove through a giant banner to officially dedicate the new LTD Gateway EmX Corridor at a Jan. 14 event in Springfield, OR. [More]

The Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) introduced "Rapid" service--a bus rapid transit (BRT) line connecting Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore, CA--on Jan. 24. In advance of the opening, dignitaries including Reps. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and John Garamendi (D-CA) participated in ceremonies in Livermore. [More]

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has named Richard R. Sarles Sr., who has served as interim general manager for the past year, to stay on in a permanent capacity with a new title: chief executive officer. [More]

The Board of Directors of the Eno Transportation Foundation has named Dr. Joshua L. Schank as its 12th president and chief executive officer, effective Feb. 21. He succeeds Dr. Stephen Van Beek, who stepped down to become chief policy and strategy officer with LeighFisher, a transportation management consulting firm. [More]

Sam Schwartz Engineering PLLC (SSE), a transportation consulting company based in New York City, has announced its acquisition of the Metro Transportation Group Inc. (Metro), a traffic engineering, planning, design, and signal systems company headquartered in Chicago. [More]

Reps. John Mica (R-FL), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, and Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), ranking member of the committee, have announced the chairs and ranking members of the six T&I subcommittees. [More]

A new report from the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) reveals that—in a reversal from the past—driving for longer distances is no longer an indicator of economic growth and that urban growth strategies such as walkable communities provide both economic and quality of life benefits. [More]

“The nation can no longer afford to support poorly targeted [transportation] investments when the needs are so great and public resources are so constrained,” meaning that the Obama administration and Congress must consider a new approach to transportation funding, according to a report released by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC). [More]

Bertrand (Bert) Gagne, 78, co-founder and former chairman of TDG Transit Design Group Inc. in Mississauga, ON, died Oct. 6, 2010. [More]

Saying that high-speed rail is facing a crucial need for greater public and political support, several of the technology’s highest-profile proponents are imploring their fellow backers to start talking up its many benefits so it can win wider acceptance. [More]

President Barack Obama’s decision to highlight public transit in his State of the Union address demonstrates how seriously his administration takes high-speed rail and infrastructure investments, according to DOT officials who spoke at a Jan. 26 session during the Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) 90th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. [More]

DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, a frequent participant in APTA meetings, will offer the keynote address at the March 14 Opening General Session of the 2010 Legislative Conference at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC. [More]

APTA is seeking applications through March 1 for the next cycle of Local Transit Coalition Grants. Most grants awarded through the program will be approximately $5,000. [More]

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and with all the hearts, flowers, and candies popping up in stores, APTA thinks it’s a great time to remind people why they love transit. Many people have shared stories in the past of riders meeting their future spouse on a bus or train, proposals on platforms, and even weddings on board buses. [More]

WASHINGTON—“Urbanism” isn’t a word that races many people’s motors. But think again. It might just be the key—not only to enrich community life but to achieve a safer energy future as well as efficient and livable metro regions, and to ensure our place in the larger world. [More]

Passenger Transport announces the following hirings and promotions in public transportation agencies and suppliers. Items appear in People on the Move in the order in which they are received. [More]