Passenger Transport Express - 10/27/2017 (Plain Text Version)

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NEWS HEADLINES

Comments Due Nov. 13 on DOT Strategic Plan

U.S. DOT is accepting public comments here through Nov. 13 on its draft Strategic Plan.

The plan reflects DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao’s priorities for achieving the agency's mission through four strategic goals: safety: reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries across the transportation system; infrastructure: invest in infrastructure to ensure mobility and accessibility and to stimulate economic growth, productivity and competitiveness for American workers and businesses; innovation: lead in the development and deployment of innovative practices and technologies that Improve the safety and performance of the nation's transportation system; and accountability: serve the nation with reduced regulatory burden and greater efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.

APTA also is collecting comments from its members and committees in preparation for its own submission to DOT.

FTA Dear Colleague Letter Describes Change in Report Submission Policy

FTA Acting Administrator Jane Williams recently released a Dear Colleague letter describing a change in policy for Milestone Progress Report (MPR) and Federal Financial Report (FFR) submission requirements.

Under FTA's Award Management Requirements Circular, recipients in urbanized areas over 200,000 in population are required to submit the MPR and FFR on a quarterly basis. However, the circular notes that FTA may use a risk-based approach to change the frequency of reporting. After reviewing the grant portfolio and analyzing risk, FTA decided to reduce the reporting frequency for many of these grants.

The text of the letter is here and the text of the circular is here.
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Cohn: White House Might Support Fuel Tax Increase for Infrastructure

National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn told a group of House members Oct. 25 that the White House might support an increase in the federal motor fuels fax to help fund infrastructure improvements. The tax, currently 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline, has not increased since 1993. APTA's policies—specifically on the infrastructure initiative and previously on authorization recommendations—"urge the Trump Administration and Congress to provide sustained and dedicated revenues to ensure the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and the surface transportation programs it funds." [return to top]

APTA Creates Toolkit for Veteran Outreach

As Veterans Day approaches, APTA has prepared a toolkit to assist the public transportation industry’s efforts to help veterans connect to available services and resources, including logo artwork and a suggested activities list. Please contact Erin Cartwright with information about your agency's activities.
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SAVE THE DATE

Don't miss these two year-end APTA events.

November 29
High-Speed Rail Policy Forum

Washington, DC
Register here.

December 4-7
Mid-Year Safety Seminar
Houston
Register here.
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IN THE MEDIA

Be ‘Super Kind’ on LA Metro—As part of its “Metro Manners” campaign, Los Angeles Metro has created three anime-inspired videos to promote consideration among riders, featuring YouTube personality Anna Akana as public transit-riding magical girl Super Kind.

A Friendly Face at BART—San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District station agent William Cromartie is the subject of the short film Agent of Connection, which showcases his people skills as he greets thousands of riders each day.

Looking Beneath the Surface—As Metro Transit in the Twin Cities prepares for construction of a new light rail line, the Metropolitan Council is considering allocating funds for an archaeological dig at a future station site, focusing on artifacts from settlers.

Making History in St. Louis—Emmy Award-winning actor Robert Guillaume, who recently died, had an early “credit” in public transit history. He was the first African-American streetcar motorman in St. Louis. [return to top]