Welcome to the Fast Lane: The Official Blog of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation

RITA Administrator Brubaker: San Francisco Poised to Revolutionize Future Transportation Systems

Today, I have some truly exciting news! I am in San Francisco, where I was joined by Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) officials in announcing that the city has been chosen as the first test site for SafeTrip-21.  SafeTrip-21 is a U.S. DOT initiative to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries, fight congestion on America’s roadways and improve the performance of the nation's transportation system.

The Department and its partners are investing $12.4 million dollars into using cutting edge Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology and innovations to improve safety and mobility in the San Francisco Bay Area.  This initiative represents the largest multi-modal test of ITS technologies in the world!

So, what does this mean for the everyday commuters in San Francisco?  SafeTrip-21 will greatly enhance their driving experience, and offer unprecedented situational awareness to the traveling public.

Taking the Transportation Revolution to the States

This morning, I met with top policy, transportation, and finance advisors from 38 different states.  They were in Washington for a two-day seminar on transportation funding and financing that the Department of Transportation organized in conjunction with the National Governors’ Association Center for Best Practices.   

Most people haven’t yet fully grasped the unprecedented innovation taking place in transportation today.  Our states have been leading a quiet revolution in transportation financing and the way we build, maintain, and operate our infrastructure.  Instead of raising taxes or waiting for the federal ship to bring boatloads of new funding, innovative Governors are finding willing partners in the private sector.

Some are leasing existing facilities or “brownfield assets” like the Indiana Toll Road.  Governor Mitch Daniels bold move brought in $3.85 billion to fund the capital projects in the state’s Major Moves program.  Moreover, the private concern, Cintra, now has responsibility for upkeep of the 157-mile road, which was in need of costly maintenance and repairs.   

Acting Administrator Sturgell: FAA MOVES TO REDUCE DELAYS AT O’HARE

You’re at the airport with your family on your way to your vacation destination.  Or you’re a business traveler flying across the country for an important business meeting.  The last thing you want to deal with is an unexpected, lengthy delay.

Most times, delays result from bad weather patterns.  However, there are proactive steps that can be taken to reduce delays.  I’m pleased to tell you that the FAA is doing just that.

Earlier this week, I joined Chicago Mayor Richard Daley to announce the elimination of flight caps at O’Hare.   In 2004, we capped O’Hare arrivals at 88 during most hours of the day.  Since that time, both the FAA and the City of Chicago have worked to add capacity to the airport.   We have extended an existing runway, and constructed a new runway that will open in November.  Together, these will allow for an additional 4-5 arrivals per hour at O’Hare.  That may not sound like a lot, but this small number will go a long way towards reducing delays by giving us much-needed additional capacity to accommodate the small increase in flights.

DOT at the Strategic Economic Dialogue

Today, I participated in the fourth meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue in Annapolis, MD. We came here to learn from each other and build on our strong economic partnership.

It was clear from our dialogue that we all recognize safe, efficient, and reliable transportation is critical to the U.S.-China trade relationship. By 2018, at the current pace, the U.S. and China will be the world’s two largest economies and will become each other’s largest trading partners. As our economies grow together, more goods and travelers cross the Pacific. As travel increases, so too does the need for expanding our transportation infrastructures.

Kings Point Graduates Portend Well for Our Future

If you’re looking for a reason to be optimistic about America’s future, just spend some time with the midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

I was at Kings Point today to take part in the Class of 2008’s graduation exercises.  These dedicated and courageous young people reflect the very best products of a maritime nation.  They have studied tirelessly, trained diligently, and endured the rigors of regimental life to prepare to take their place as sentries of the sea.

The diplomas they carry with them from Vickery Gate symbolize the finest maritime education in the world and connect them to a great chain of leaders trained at this pre-eminent institution.

It is a chain that includes the President’s former Chief of Staff Andrew Card and Astronaut Mark Kelly, who commanded the Space Shuttle Discovery safely back to Earth this weekend.  It includes ship captains and captains of industry, Panama Canal pilots, and officers in each of the armed services.