NEWS HEADLINES

Shuster Supports Vehicle Miles Traveled to Fund Next MAP-21

As Congressional leaders search for ways to develop a long-term federal transportation bill to replace MAP-21, which expires Sept. 30, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Bill Shuster (R-PA) said he supports a vehicle miles tax (VMT), among other user fees, to pay for a bill that would extend for at least five years. He also rejected the notion of raising the nation’s motor fuels tax (more commonly called the gasoline tax), which currently funds the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) and its Mass Transit Account. [More]

Capital Metro Launches BRT in Austin, TX

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro) in Austin, TX, introduced service on its MetroRapid Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on Jan. 27. The 43-station, 21-mile line is the first of two BRT routes; the second, with 34 additional stations, is scheduled to open later this year. [More]

NCTD Opens San Luis Rey Transit Center

The North County Transit District (NCTD) opened its newest facility, the San Luis Rey Transit Center in Oceanside, CA, in ceremonies Feb. 1. BREEZE bus routes began serving the station the following day. [More]

Sierra Wireless to Acquire In Motion Technology

Sierra Wireless has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire In Motion Technology Inc. for $21 million. The transaction is expected to close in early March. [More]

HNTB Report: Majority Wants Infrastructure Improvements

A majority of Americans want to see improvements to the nation’s transportation network and key infrastructure facilities, according to a new America THINKS survey from HNTB Corporation. [More]

 

New and Interim Chief Executives Named

Four public transportation agencies have announced their new and interim chief executives. [More]

IN DEPTH: TECHNOLOGY

Technology Trends in Public Transit
BY KATHERINE LEWIS, Special to Passenger Transport

Public transportation relies on technological advances. From the invention of the steam locomotive to the development of onboard data systems, technological breakthroughs have revolutionized the way public transportation operates for centuries. [More]

Alternative Fuels Surging Ahead in Bus Marketplace; Industry Devising Ways to Power Buses, from CNG to Electric to Biofuel
BY SUSAN BERLIN, Senior Editor

Once bus engines meant diesel power. Alternative fuels were considered impractical and expensive. But that is changing dramatically. Alternatively-fueled vehicles account for more than 40 percent of ­current U.S. public transit fleets, and 59.7 percent of new buses operate with alternative fuels. [More]

The Technology of Positive Train Control: A Review of Top-Level Challenges

One of the most significant technological challenges facing rail systems is the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), which has been described as a “system of systems” that requires long-range strategic planning, highly advanced engineering, and extensive integration with existing systems of all types. [More]

APTA MEMBER PROFILE

Meet Nathaniel Ford Sr.!

This is the latest in an ongoing series of columns showcasing APTA members. The subject of this profile is Nathaniel Ford Sr., chief executive officer, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Jacksonville, FL, a member of the APTA Mid-Size Operations and Waterborne Transit Operations committees; past secretary/treasurer, APTA Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and American Public Transportation Foundation; and former vice chair-management and finance. [More]

MEET THE APTA STAFF

Meet Mariela Garcia-Colberg!

This is the latest in an ongoing series of columns showcasing members of the APTA staff. The subject of this profile is Mariela Garcia-Colberg, program manager-international programs, Member Services Department. [More]

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Seahawks Victory Parade Sets Records for Puget Sound Transit Agencies

Public transportation agencies throughout Puget Sound experienced record ridership Feb. 5, when an estimated 700,000 Seahawks fans—more than the population of Seattle—made their way downtown to celebrate the new Super Bowl champions. The combined parade and rally was described as the largest event in the history of the Pacific Northwest. [More]

Tri-Rail Marks 25th Anniversary

More than 250 past and present members of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA)/Tri-Rail’s Governing Board, business and community leaders, and elected officials participated in recent ceremonies commemorating the 25th anniversary of Tri-Rail commuter rail in Pompano Beach, FL. [More]

Reports Show Dallas Light Rail Is Catalyst for Economic Development

Reports released by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) demonstrate that the agency’s investment in light rail has led to extensive growth in the regional economy, including the creation of 54,000 jobs between 2003 and 2013, as well as increased value of property located near DART stations. [More]

AIA Honors Washington’s Metro

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently selected the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Metrorail system to receive the 2014 AIA Twenty-five Year Award. [More]

Report: Ridership Triples on LA Metro’s Expo Light Rail Line

Residents of Los Angeles who live near a station on Los Angeles Metro’s Exposition Light Rail Line dramatically reduced the number of miles they drove and tripled their rail ridership after the new rail line opened last year, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California. [More]

‘Be a Safety Hero’ with OCTA

The Orange County Trans­portation Authority (OCTA) in Orange, CA, conducted its “Be a Safety Hero!” program at its website during January. [More]

SamTrans Rolls Out Service Changes

The San Mateo County Transit District, which oversees SamTrans in San Carlos, CA, recently introduced a comprehensive set of service changes as a result of a two-year study that will change nearly every route in the bus system to improve frequency and reliability and make schedules more customer-friendly. [More]

BART Opens Renovated Station Plaza

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) recently opened a renovated southwest street-level plaza at its 24th Street/Mission Station in San Francisco. [More]

CUTC Honors Diridon’s Achievements

The Council of University Transportation Centers recently honored Rod Diridon Sr., executive director, Mineta National Transit Research Consortium and Mineta Transportation Institute, San Jose, CA, with its 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award. [More]

GO Transit Orders Railcars from Bombardier

Metrolinx, the agency that administers GO Transit in Toronto, has ordered 65 new bi-level coaches from Bombardier with two options for an additional 75 coaches. The total investment for the order, including options, is $481 million (Cdn.). [More]

APTA NEWS

Nominations Open for Bus and Rail Safety Excellence Awards

APTA is currently accepting nominations for the 2014 Bus and Rail Safety & Security Excellence Awards through March 1 for bus and April 1 for rail. This year marks the centennial of the public transit safety awards program through APTA and its predecessor organizations. [More]

Seeking Presentations for Annual Meeting & EXPO 2014

APTA has opened a call for ­presentations for the 2014 APTA Annual Meeting & EXPO, Oct. 12-15 at the ­Hilton Americas–George F. Brown ­Convention Center in Houston, TX. [More]

CEO Roundtable at BMBG Annual Meeting

Several public transit agency general managers participated in the CEOs Roundtable at the recent annual meeting of the Business Member Board of Governors (BMBG), where they discussed critical issues facing agencies and shared updates of current initiatives [More]

NTI, TCRP Schedule Webinar

 The National Transit Institute, in cooperation with the Transportation Cooperative Research Program (TCRP), will conduct a webinar Feb. 19 focusing on TCRP Report 162, Building a Sustainable Workforce in the Public Transit Industry. [More]

New Publications from TCRP

The Transportation Research Board recently released three Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) publications. [More]

APTA in February

APTA’s calendar for February shows the many facets of public transportation, offers interesting data points about the value of public transit, and tracks key APTA events. Here’s what’s on tap for February. [More]

COMMENTARY

Automated Vehicles: What’s the Impact on Public Transit?
BY DENIS EIRIKIS, Clear Light Communications

As you read this, the entire transportation industry—from automakers to heavy freight lines and public transit systems—is facing a coming revolution: automated vehicle (AV) technology, which is likely to change everything from the size and shape of vehicles to the purpose and function of mobility. [More]

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Who’s Doing What in the Industry

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