The increased Amtrak speeds in Michigan and Indiana followed the Federal Railroad Administration’s approval after successful implementation of a Positive Train Control (PTC) system. PTC, first mandated by Congress in 2008, is a technology used in trains that is meant to avoid human error and prevent crashes. But now it is under attack from House Republicans.
safety
FTA proposes shifting the focus of transit investment evaluations from commute time reduction to ridership and other metrics
The Federal Transit Administration’s proposed changes to the way it evaluates transit investment funding under the New Starts and Small Starts programs would shift the focus from travel time reduction to projected ridership and the …
Active Transportation Beyond Urban Center (Rails to Trails Conservancy, 2012)
Biking and walking for transportation is not confined to large urban centers. This report examines the many benefits for rural areas and small communities when they invest in active transportation. An interactive map allows zooming …
Bicycling and Walking in the U.S.: 2012 Benchmarking Report (Alliance for Biking and Walking, 2012)
This 3rd biennial benchmarking report looks at data and policies in all 50 states and the 51 largest US cities to examine how they stack up for walking and biking. This is a useful tool for local and state officials that would like to improve conditions and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, or to promote non-motorized transportation.
Congress debates raising the 80,000 pound truck weight limit
Congress set the current 80,000-pound weight limit for trucks on Interstate highways in 1991. For years proponents of raising the limit have argued that it would reduce the number of trucks on the road, shipping costs, and congestion. On the other side of the argument are those who believe these benefits are outweighed by the fact that heavier trucks are more difficult to control and stop, and that heavier trucks cause greater damage to roads and bridges.
New map shows each 2001-2009 traffic fatality with a dot
A powerful new map shows each of the 369,629 motor vehicle passenger (including the driver), motorcyclist, bicyclist, and pedestrian fatalities in the US from 2001-2009 with a color-coded dot per fatality. Each dot also gives …
Study: Grandma and Grandpa driving more safely
You may not believe it, but Grandma and Grandpa are driving more safely than they did a decade ago. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, older drivers are driving more safely in recent years …
Britain to raise motorway speed limit to 80mph
Britain plans to raise the speed limit on the country’s motorway system from 70mph to 80mph. The government expects the move to increase economic efficiency and commuter satisfaction through the reduction of journey times. Studies …
Long distances and a lack of sidewalks don’t explain the small number of kids walking to school
While the federal Safe Routes to School program has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in communities throughout the U.S. on sidewalks, crossings, and education to improve safety and increase the number of children walking …
Testing now: Vehicles that communicate with each other to avoid crashes
US DOT launched a major test of innovative vehicle safety technology using cars and trucks that will communicate hazards in real time. The connected vehicle test will go on for a year in Ann Arbor, …