Transit Research Update
Contents- April 2009
To view a item listed, use the mouse and control/click on title.
SPECIAL
Progress Report: Department of Transportation 3
Join U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary LaHood at ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition - June 1 …………………………………………3
Announcement for a Cooperative Agreement to Evaluate and Compare Federal Formula Grant programs - RFP 4
APTA Announces 2009 Bus Safety Awards -- Recognizes Top Safety Records and Commitment to Improving Bus Safety in North America 4
RESEARCH IN PROGRESS 4
Evaluation of Transit Wayfinding/Route Information Technologies and Strategies 4
Hydrogen-Fueled Shuttle Bus Project 5
Transit Greenhouse Gas Management Compendium 5
Wayside Charging and Hydrogen Hybrid Bus 6
ECONOMIC RECOVERY 6
Obama Releases High-Speed Rail Plan 6
Hearing on the Department of Transportation's Implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 6
President Obama, Vice President Biden, Transportation Secretary LaHood Announce 2,000th Transportation Project Under Economic Recovery Act 7
Recovery Act - Initial Results on States' Use of and Accountability for Transportation Funds. 7
States Wrestle with Stimulus Funding 7
Study: $1B transit investment yields 30,000 jobs 7
Toward a 21st-Century "New Deal" for Public Transport 8
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 8
Congressional Leaders Welcome Report Highlighting Model Transit Projects for Transportation Bill – “Reinventing Transit” 8
Climate Change Activities Website at the Transportation Research Board 8
Green Transit Channel 8
Rethinking the Greening of Transit 8
Improving Safety of Passengers in Bus Crashes 9
National Bio-Monitoring Architecture (NBMA) Meeting 9
Rail Transit Capacity Improvement Study 10
FEDERAL PUBLICATIONS 10
Best Practices in Transit Service Planning 10
Characteristics of Bus Rapid Transit For Decision-Making 10
Evaluation and Documentation of the Use of Incentives & Disincentives Regarding the Procurement of Standardized Transit Buses 11
Literature Review for Providing Access to Public Transportation Stations 11
Recommended Best Practices for States Conducting Three-Year Safety Reviews 11
Reinventing Transit: American Communities Finding Smarter, Cleaner, Faster Transportation Solutions 12
Sensitive Security Information (SSI): Designation, Markings and Control, Resource Document for Transit Agencies 12
Successes in Stewardship Newsletter, April 2009 12
Technologies That Complement Congestion Pricing - A Primer 12
Transit Security Update - TCRP Synthesis 80 13
Travel Training for Student Success: The Route to Achieving Post-Secondary Student Outcomes 13
Vision for High-Speed Rail in America 13
INTERNATIONAL 13
2008 Right-Of-Way and Utilities International Scanning Tour - Australia and Canada 14
Impact Assessment of EU Regulation to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions from New Passenger Cars 14
Project for Public Spaces Does Parking Day! 14
Reclaiming City Streets for People: Chaos or Quality of Life? 14
Results of the Survey of Research & Development 2008 – Japan 14
A Streetcar Now for City of Tomorrow 14
First Wind Turbine 15
French Giant Buys Control of Hong Kong's Trams 15
Greening with LEED Ratings 15
Great Places, Great Cities 2009 Conference 15
Greenspace Scotland -Website 16
Placemaking Scotland 16
Vehicle Manufacturers Are Leading Intelligent Transportation Systems Efforts with Obstacle Detection Systems Launching in 2009 17
RESEARCH NEWS & RESOURCES 17
Map: Trends in Transit 17
An Ambit-Based Activity Model for Evaluating Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Policies 17
Bus Transit Channel - New 17
Connecting Communities Public Transportation Emergency Preparedness Workshop …..………………………………………………………………………………..18
Public Transportation Participation Pilot Program …………………………………3
Cloud Computing Moves into Public Safety 18
Complete America’s Streets Website 19
Intransition –Transportation Planning, Practice & Prog 19
Introducing TRISworld –The New International Database 19
Nashville MTA Articulated Hybrid Buses Enter Service 20
National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination 20
New Bus Transit Channel at Metro Magazine Website 20
New Venture to Offer Comprehensive Strategic Guidance for Capital Transportation Projects 21
Not-in-Traffic Surveillance 2007 - Highlights 21
Performance Measures — A Case Study in Progress Webinar 21
Phoenix: Light Rail Opens, Ridership Soars 22
Project for Public Spaces Website 22
Private Sector Zips Past Government in Recovery Act Tracking 22
Public Meeting on IntelliDriveSM Proof of Concept (POC) Results and Findings Scheduled for May 19, 2009 in Novi, Michigan 22
Return to Futurama 23
The Transit Wire Website* 23
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SPECIAL
Progress Report: Department of Transportation
Summary. In the first 100 days of the Obama administration the Department of Transportation (DOT)emphasized economic recovery. Of the $48.1 billion in economic recovery funding provided to DOT, over $9.3 billion has been obligated by states, transit systems and airports for specific projects. Over 2,500 projects have been selected for funding so far.
Data collected by DOT shows DOT actions created a rapid increase in the pace at which transportation projects are undertaken. In the first 6 weeks… 4,300 highway and bridge projects – (including “regular” projects, not funded by the Recovery act)-- were advanced… In the first 100 days the Department unveiled a Strategic Plan to transform the future of high speed rail in America. This plan will guide investment decisions for $8 billion in high speed rail funding… In addition, DOT initiated a new partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help coordinate transportation and housing investments. Known as “Livable Communities” the initiative will integrate land use and transportation planning….More Online [http://www.dot.gov/recovery/100daysreport.htm]
Join U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary LaHood at ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition - June 1
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will be the featured speaker at the opening plenary of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America’s (ITS America) 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition, which will take place June 1-3 at the Gaylord Convention Center on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland. The Secretary’s remarks are scheduled for 10 a.m. in the convention center’s Potomac A-B rooms on the Ballroom level. In addition to policy and technical sessions, the ITS event will feature “city streets” vehicle and infrastructure technology demonstrations, a 150,000 square foot exhibit hall, tours of area transportation projects and facilities, and many other activities.Registration information is available at www.itsa.org/amregistration.html.
Announcement for a Cooperative Agreement to Evaluate and Compare Federal Formula Grant programs - RFP.
Please review below the Request for Proposals from Mr. David Schneider of Federal Transit Administration (FTA). If you have any questions, please contact him using the information below. The proposal is available Online at [http://www.grants.gov], Funding No. FTA-09007-TPM
This solicitation is for proposals for a cooperative agreement to research the processes and performance measures used by Federal agencies to award and manage grants and the methods these agencies employ to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs that they fund. This research will be funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The total available funding is $200,000.
Proposals must be submitted electronically by May 28, 2009 (45 days after the notice is posted on [http://www.grants.gov]. Anyone intending to apply should initiate the process of registering on the http://www.grants.gov website immediately to ensure completion of registration before the deadline for submission.
Contact: David Schneider, Federal Transit Administration, Office of Program Management, 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E. 4th Floor - East Building Washington, DC 20590. Telephone (202) 493-0175 Email [
APTA Announces 2009 Bus Safety Awards -- Recognizes Top Safety Records and Commitment to Improving Bus Safety in North America
May 4, 2009. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced the winners of the 2009 Bus Safety Awards at the opening session of the annual APTA Bus and Paratransit Conference that is being held in Seattle, WA. Online at
[http://www.apta.com/media/releases/090504_bus_safety.cfm]
RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
Evaluation of Transit Wayfinding/Route Information Technologies and Strategies
Project MA-26-7998-00
Funding: $200,000 Schedule: October 2008 – October 2010
Performer: Research and Innovative Technology Administration
Small Business Innovation Program Office
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
55 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142-1093
Contact: Suzanne Sloan Phone: 617-494-3282 Email: [
FTA Project Monitor: Edwin Rodriguez, TRI Fax: 202.366.3765
Email: [
Description. The objective of this intra-agency agreement is to support the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) research effort to develop and submit a report on transit industry and traveler benefits associated with transit wayfinding/route information technologies and strategies. The Volpe Center will conduct a market analysis of wayfinding/route information products and services, define different Wayfinding needs of each user (traveler), and assess the value and benefits of these products and services. Brief tests and field studies will be conducted of the emerging technologies. Doing so will allow for the ultimate understanding of the gaps that exist in the technologies and services from a transit perspective, and define where FTA can take a leadership role.
Keywords: Transit, Wayfinding Technologies, Strategies, Traveler Benefits, Commuter, Persons with Disabilities. Route Information
Hydrogen-Fueled Shuttle Bus Project
Project PA-26-7265
Funding: $1,592,000.00 Schedule: October 2008 – January 2010
Performer: DaVinci Discovery Center of Science & Technology
3145 Hamilton Boulevard Bypass
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18103
Contact: Frank Steslow Phone: 484-664-1002 Fax: 484-664-1002
FTA Project Monitor: Christina Gikakis, TRI Fax: 202.366.3765
Email: [
Description. This project enables the DaVinci Center and project partners to conduct a research and demonstration project on hydrogen-fueled shuttle buses. The purpose of the Hydrogen-Fueled Shuttle Bus project is to educate the public through demonstration of hydrogen's use as a safe, clean, and effective transportation fuel. This will be accomplished through the operation of two hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) shuttle buses and an interactive exhibit program at the DaVinci Science Center. The program will highlight the content and background of transitioning to a hydrogen economy and the explanation of the technologies involved.
Keyword: Hydrogen-Fueled Shuttle Bus, Demonstration, Alternative fueled vehicle, Internal Combustion Engine, Hydrogen fueling station, Transition to Hydrogen Economy
Transit Greenhouse Gas Management Compendium
Project GA-26-7006
Funding: $150,000 Schedule: April 2009 – June 2010
Performer: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
505 10th Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30332
Contact: Serelia Woods Phone: 404-385-0866 Fax: 404-894-7002
FTA Project Monitor: Henry Nejako, TRI Fax: 202.366.3765
Email: [
Description. This project supports the efforts of the Georgia Tech Research Corporation to developing a compendium of strategies and best practices for reducing transit agency emissions of greenhouse gases. A key feature of the Compendium will be its ability to help a transit agency develop and compare its current GHG estimates against potential or proposed system improvements. The compendium will serve as a central information point, as well as a useful handbook to transit managers in planning and decision-making. Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) will partner with Georgia Tech. The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance will also be an active participant.
KEYWORDS: GHS Compendium of Best Practices, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction, Guidebook, Transit Agencies
Wayside Charging and Hydrogen Hybrid Bus
Project TN-26-7034-01
Funding: $85,000 Schedule: October 2008 – January 2011
Performer: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
615 McCallie Ave, Department 4905
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
Contact: J. Ronald Bailey Phone: 423-425-4431 Fax: 423-425-4052
FTA Project Monitor: Patrick Centolanzi,TRI Fax: 202.366.3765
Email: [
Description. The purpose of this amendment is to add a Task (6) that will provide partial support purchase of an electrolyzer for generating hydrogen for use in hydrogen-powered buses. It will be implemented by the Center for Energy, Transportation and the Environment (CETE) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration and several other partners. The electrolyzer is a more modest approach to hydrogen generation, storage, and dispensing than a large-scale hydrogen fueling station. A local match of $60,000 will be provided by the University.
Keywords: Electrolyzer, Wayside Inductive Recharging, Hydrogen Hybrid Bus, Hydrogen generation and storage
ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Obama Releases High-Speed Rail Plan
President Barack Obama, along with Vice President Biden and Secretary LaHood, announced a new U.S. push today to transform travel in America, creating high-speed rail lines from city to city, reducing dependence on cars and planes and spurring economic development.
The President released a strategic plan outlining his vision for high speed rail in America. The plan identifies $8 billion provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and $1 billion a year for five years requested in the federal budget as a down payment to jump-start a potential world-class passenger rail system and sets the direction of transportation policy for the future. The strategic plan will be followed by detailed guidance for state and local applicants. By late summer, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)will begin awarding the first round of grants.
More Online at [http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/press-releases/226]
Hearing on the Department of Transportation's Implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
On Thursday, April 30, 2009, the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies held a hearing to examine the U.S. Department of Transportation's implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. A video of the hearing is available online. Online [http://appropriations.senate.gov/index.cfm?month=4&year=2009]
President Obama, Vice President Biden, Transportation Secretary LaHood Announce 2,000th Transportation Project Under Economic Recovery Act
April 13, 2009 - According the United States Department of Transportation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Act) has funded its 2,000th transportation project. The milestone was announced by President Obama only six weeks after the enactment of the bill. "Just 41 days ago we announced funding for the first transportation project under ARRA, and today we’re approving the 2,000th project," said President Obama. More [http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot4609.htm]. View video from the event
Recovery Act - Initial Results on States' Use of and Accountability for Transportation Funds.
GAO-09-597T contains the Statement of Katherine Siggerud, Managing Director Physical Infrastructure Issues. Ms. Siggerud’s statement provides a general overview of (1) selected states’ use of Recovery Act funds for highway programs, (2) the approaches taken by these states to ensure accountability for these funds, and (3) the selected states’ plans to evaluate the impact of the Recovery Act funds that they receive for highway programs. This statement is based on work in which GAO examined the use of Recovery Act funds by a core group of 16 states and the District of Columbia, representing about 65 percent of the U.S. population and two-thirds of the intergovernmental federal assistance available through the Act. GAO issued its first bimonthly report on April 23, 2009. Online at [http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09597t.pdf]