Transportation
Plug-in success all about saving time, not subsidies, at least in Europe
Cheap gas makes US electrification plans very expensive Are tax subsidies for plug-ins too expensive? “Electric vehicles bring many benefits to society and little to their owners. It is therefore the duty of public authorities to break this chicken-and-egg situation. Governments must provide incentives to car manufacturers and consumers until mass-production makes EVs competitive,” claims [...]
Continue reading...Today’s Headlines – 4/27/11
27 May 2011 – 8:34 am PST
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Robert Puentes of the Brookings Institute outlined a comprehensive path forward on transportation policy. (WSJ) Democrats and unions defended Amtrak from House transportation committee chairman John Mica’s move to take the system out of high-speed rail contention. (The Hill) The California Legislature might create new infrastructure financing districts to fund local projects. (Bond Buyer) New [...]
Continue reading...Lawmakers move to address pedestrian safety in the wake of Dangerous by Design
26 May 2011 – 1:59 pm PST
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Tuesday’s release of Dangerous by Design outlining the 47,700 deaths and 688,000 injuries to people while walking on unsafe streets has renewed Congress’ focus on pedestrian safety in the next transportation bill. But what substantial steps the House and Senate will take to promote safer streets and improve conditions for walking remains very much in [...]
Continue reading...Southbound Park Avenue At Ajo Way Complete Closure
26 May 2011 – 9:08 am PST
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Beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2011, until 6 a.m., Monday, May 30, 2011, southbound Park Avenue at Ajo Way will be closed to through traffic to allow K E & G Construction to conduct sewer repair work. Motorists traveling southbound on Park Avenue will be allowed to make right turns to westbound Ajo [...]
Continue reading...Today’s Headlines – 5/26/11
26 May 2011 – 8:40 am PST
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A bipartisan statement on the next transportation bill from a key Senate committee contains some differences with the Obama administration. (Reuters) The draft proposal, titled MAP-21, would fund transportation at current levels plus inflation and expand a project loan program called America Fast Forward. (Streetsblog Capitol Hill) An advocacy group representing road builders released a [...]
Continue reading...Transportation for America response to joint statement of EPW leaders
26 May 2011 – 6:40 am PST
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), Ranking Member of the Committee, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, and Senator David Vitter (R-LA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, issued a joint statement on transportation authorization legislation. James [...]
Continue reading...A real fracking problem: Natural gas hybrid vehicles
25 May 2011 – 2:55 pm PST
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Natural gas could power conventional cars, hybrids and even plug-in vehicles. Why isn't more being done? Working towards a perfect energy solution For years now Toyota has had a production ready natural gas hybrid car awaiting a US embrace of natural gas. Quantum Technologies can convert Ford Escape hybrids into natural gas hybrids. Numerous companies [...]
Continue reading...Today’s Headlines – 5/25/11
25 May 2011 – 10:47 am PST
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The spotlight was on Florida for having the nation’s four worst metropolitan areas for pedestrians. (USA Today) Democrat Kathy Hochul won a GOP-leaning New York House seat last night largely by running against the Paul Ryan budget. (National Journal) The victory could give Democrats the chance to play offense elsewhere in 2012. (The Hill) A [...]
Continue reading...$48 million question: Is the Dodge Ram hybrid pickup worth plugging in?
24 May 2011 – 12:16 pm PST
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Is this really the right box for plug-in hybrid technology? Can adding a plug to the dual mode hybrid drive charge sluggish sales? Several years ago Chrysler and GM co-developed the dual mode hybrid powertrain, a powertrain particularly designed for large SUVs and pickup trucks. Today, Chrysler doesn’t sell any dual mode hybrid vehicles while [...]
Continue reading...Toyota Prius, including Prius V, getting back on track
24 May 2011 – 9:05 am PST
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Toyota Prius V coming in October Toyota Prius supply issues quickly improving This morning Goldman Sachs raised their oil forecasts for 2011 and 2012 to $120 and $140 per barrel respectively. If true, $4.00 gasoline could become common and that should be good news for the Toyota Prius family. While Prius supplies have been low [...]
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27 May 2011 – 9:23 am PST
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