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How TIGER Transformed Transportation Planning — And Lived to Tell About It
When the buzz about a new, stimulus-funded, discretionary transportation grant program started to circulate in 2009, some environmentalists opposed it. They worried it would be a slush fund for the Federal Highway Administration, used to build unnecessary roads that would aggravate sprawl and pollution. But insiders knew that wasn’t how the new Obama administration would be handling things.
April 25, 2013
FRA Responds: Amtrak Will Be Able to Use “Proven” Trainsets
On Monday, we featured a Systemic Failure post about FRA regulations in our morning round-up from the Streetsblog Network. Systemic Failure indicated — and Streetsblog repeated — that the FRA was unwilling to change its rules to allow Amtrak to use “off-the-shelf” trainsets and other equipment.
April 24, 2013
U.S. DOT to Challenge AASHTO Supremacy on Bike/Ped Safety Standards
For years, the federal government has adopted roadway guidelines that fall far short of what's needed -- and what's possible -- to protect cyclists and pedestrians. By "playing it safe" and sticking with old-school engineering, U.S. DOT allowed streets to be unsafe for these vulnerable road users.
February 28, 2013
How Will the Next Transpo Secretary Build on Ray LaHood’s Legacy?
He strung it out long enough, but Ray LaHood has finally announced that he’s resigning as Transportation Secretary. Speculation has been rampant for months about who could replace him, and now it kicks into high gear.
January 30, 2013
It’s Official: LaHood Is Out
After a few false alarms, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has finally come out and said it: He's leaving the administration.
January 29, 2013
Federal Transit Administration Grapples With Likely Funding Cuts
After fighting to maintain reasonable funding levels in the transportation bill – and for the inclusion of dedicated transit funding in the first place – the Federal Transit Administration now finds itself up against almost certain funding cuts that imperil rail and bus expansion projects, as well as the agency's own staffing.
January 18, 2013
Poll: Who Should Be the Next U.S. Transportation Secretary?
Ryan Holeywell over at Governing Magazine has put together a pretty comprehensive list of possible contenders for the top job at U.S. DOT, if Ray LaHood makes good on his word and splits for the private sector. It's unclear when he's leaving, or if he even really meant to say he was definitely leaving, but odds are there will be a vacancy over there pretty soon.
November 16, 2012
City Receives Federal Funding for Full Nostrand Avenue Select Bus Route
The first Select Bus Service route in Brooklyn is on track to start speeding bus trips next year, after Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and NYC Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan announced yesterday afternoon that the project has secured a $28 million federal grant.
November 14, 2012
FHWA Helps Cities and Towns Land Bike/Ped Funding
American cities and towns should get a leg up on using federal funds to make streets safer for biking and walking, thanks to rules enacted yesterday by the Federal Highway Administration.
October 23, 2012
Five Factors That Will Determine Whether TIFIA Benefits Transit
Phineas Baxandall is a senior analyst at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.
October 16, 2012