On April 3, the Southern California Association of Governments unanimously adopted a 25 year transportation plan that focuses on transit, road maintenance, walking, biking, sustainability, land use, and reduction of greenhouse gases. Local officials and citizen’s groups alike hailed it as a significant change in strategy for a region notorious for clogged freeways and the worst air quality in the nation.
CA
More Americans commuting long distances to work
Between 2002 and 2009 the number of “super-commuters,” people who work in a metropolitan area’s central county while living outside the bounds of the metropolitan area, grew dramatically, far outpacing workforce growth rates, in all but two of the nation’s ten largest metropolitan labor markets. Many of these workers only make their commute once or twice a week, and worked remotely the rest of the time.
Promoting Bicycle Commuter Safety (Mineta Transportation Institute, 2012)
This report examines the “five Es” for increasing bicycle commuter safety, but focuses on education and engineering. Case studies from California and Portland, OR give first hand information about bicycle safety. Download the full report.
California’s New Emission Standards receive mixed reviews
California has approved new vehicle emission standards, which require that 15.4 percent of all new cars sold in the state by 2025 emit little or no tailpipe and carbon exhaust. Close to 40 percent of California’s greenhouse gas emissions …
The high speed rail quandry
The future of high speed rail in America continues to be uncertain. While California has suffered multiple setbacks in its efforts, high speed rail continues to be on the agenda in several other states.
The high speed rail quandry
The future of high speed rail in America continues to be uncertain. While California has suffered multiple setbacks in its efforts, high speed rail continues to be on the agenda in several other states.
High tech hitchhiking as an alternative to transit
Zimride, a Silicon Valley start-up, allows people that need rides and people with cars traveling the same route to find each other. The New York Times reports that, as an alternative to transit or intercity …
Can congestion create kilowatts? Good vibrations from California
California Assemblyman Mike Gatto recently introduced a bill that would require the California Energy Commission to explore the possibility of generating electricity from the rumble of traffic on highways in the state. Piezoelectric technology, which …
California dreaming of better prognostications
Time, money and gas are wasted in traffic jams. Citing figures of 28 gallons of gas and $808 lost each year because of traffic, a new project to develop ways to avoid these losses was …
TRB webinar on climate change adaptation features California and Michigan DOTs
“State departments of transportation are modifying their planning efforts and practices to adapt to the effects of climate change on facilities and operations. Transportation providers are seeking to learn what other states and regions are …