Passenger Transport Express

Transportation experts and practitioners from around the country attended the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board in Washington, DC, Jan. 11-15. DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx spoke at the event, outlining the Obama administration's 30-year plan for public transportation and infrastructure. "Transportation is a system of systems," rather than separate, unrelated systems, he said. "We're looking at the system comprehensively in the thrust of the report." The report, due later this year, will explain the challenges of rapid population growth and the need to replace existing infrastructure.

APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy also spoke at the conference, where he discussed both the potential of connected and autonomous vehicles and the association's Capitol Hill priorities. "The centerpiece of APTA's legislative agenda is enactment of a long-term, well-funded, multimodal surface transportation bill," Melaniphy said.

Feinberg Named Acting FRA Administrator

DOT Chief of Staff Sarah Feinberg was appointed acting administrator of the FRA, effective Jan. 12. "Sarah has the right mix of experience and skills to adeptly lead the FRA as it continues its important work to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient movement of people and goods," said DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx. Feinberg replaces Joseph Szabo, who stepped down as FRA administrator to join the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning as a senior fellow.

Washington Metro Train Accident Under Investigation

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has been working with the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the cause of the tragic smoke incident on Jan. 12. The accident, which caused one fatality and sent dozens of passengers to the hospital, has brought attention to the need for investment in critical infrastructure and the importance of safety evacuation plans. APTA has been communicating with the media to remind Americans that public transit is one of the safest ways to travel. Rail travel is 17 times safer than auto travel, according to the National Safety Council. [return to top]

NTSB Announces Priorities for 2015

Improving public transit safety and implementing Positive Train Control are among the National Transportation Safety Board's top priorities for 2015. The list, which is released annually, also includes introducing medical fitness tests for operators, ending substance impairment and disconnecting from distracting electronic devices. [return to top]

APTA's Strategic Plan on Video

APTA has released a video highlighting its 2015-2019 Strategic Plan. The plan outlines the five strategic goals that will guide the association's efforts over the rest of the decade.

SAVE THE DATE

APTA's 2015 Legislative Conference is March 8-10 in Washington, DC. The conference offers sessions with key members of Congress, Hill staff, administration officials, and Washington opinion makers. Sign up now!

IN THE MEDIA

The editors of the New York Times call for an increased gas tax, while the Wall Street Journal editors say the tax should be abolished.

Passenger Transport Express - 01/16/2015 (Plain Text Version)