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Improved Dilworth Plaza in Philadelphia, part of an America built to last

When a community uses a $15 million DOT TIGER grant to launch a $50 million project to improve transit connections for millions of passengers each year, the public wins. And when that project creates jobs at a time they are needed most, that adds even more reasons to celebrate a smart federal investment capturing a city’s local vision. 

So, yesterday in Philadelphia's Dilworth Plaza, that's exactly what we did, breaking ground on a major transit center and sustainable open space where Philadelphia’s hardworking residents and visitors can take a break.  It's a terrific example of the kind of project our TIGER program was meant to support.

Signing the granite cornerstone with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

The renovation of Dilworth Plaza will substantially improve commuting into Philadelphia's Center City by upgrading connections and accessibility in and around the City Hall transit hub.  For passengers riding SEPTA's regional commuter rail and subway, New Jersey's PATCO rail, Amtrak, and area trolleys and buses, the frustration of transfering between networks has been infamous. For passengers with disabilities, accessibility challenges have added to that frustration. The Dilworth Plaza and City Hall station enhancements will make it significantly easier for all riders to get where they're going using the many public transit options Philadelphia offers.

President Obama challenged us in his State of the Union address to build an economy that works for everyone.  And with the work now underway, Dilworth Plaza will meet that challenge. 

But all across America, there is work to be done on projects like this in communities that just can't wait.  So today, DOT announced the availability of $500 million in funding that Congress authorized for TIGER 2012.

January "On the Go" kicks off a busy 2012

Welcome to my first "On the Go" episode of 2012.  I know you'll agree with me that we've got a lot to talk about this year in the world of transportation.  And I want to thank the folks at Transportation for America, who helped us get the year started with many of this month's questions.

So let's get right to it.  This month, I'm answering questions about commercial trucking, high-speed rail, transportation options like biking and walking, and President Obama's call for a long-term transportation bill that puts people back to work building infrastructure that lasts.

 

Do you have a question you'd like me to answer?  You can:

• Post on my Facebook page,
• Tweet me using the #q4ray hashtag, or
• Leave a comment here on the blog.

Thanks for tuning in to my first "On the Go" of 2012.  And thanks again to Transportation for America for the great questions.  I'll be back in February for another episode.  Until then, keep writing in--and I'll keep listening.

Rail industry plans for growth in 2012

I've written a couple of times this month about the resurgence of the automobile industry, but it's important to note that the renewed strength of American manufacturing is not limited to cars and trucks.  A quick glance through the news offers solid proof that the American railroad industry is also thriving.

In North Dakota, for example, freight rail loads are growing so fast that BNSF has opened a $35 million railcar facility in Minot just to keep cars in service.  In 2011, the railroad added 150 workers to its Minot workforce, bringing the total above 330, with plans to hire even more employees this year. 

Passenger rail has grown significantly as well.  Between Milwaukee and Chicago, for example, Amtrak's Hiawatha line provided a record 823,163 passenger rides in 2011, up from 792,848 in 2010. And systemwide, Amtrak carried a record 30.2 million passengers last year, setting an annual ridership record for the eighth time in the past nine years.

According to the Association of American Railroads, rail business in the U.S. is poised for even greater gains, with companies expecting to invest a record $13 billion in 2012 to expand, upgrade, and enhance the nation’s freight rail network. These investments include expenditures such as intermodal terminals that facilitate truck to train freight transport; new track, bridges and tunnels; modernized safety equipment; new locomotives and rail cars; and other components that ensure the U.S. freight rail network remains the best in the world.

The freight railroads also expect to hire more than 15,000 employees this year, replacing retiring workers and adding new positions nationwide.  That's tremendous news.  As Ed Hamberger, AAR President and CEO, said, “As the demand to move more freight by rail increases, freight railroads are continuing to add and fill jobs nationwide. These jobs are well paying, highly skilled careers that cannot be offshored.”

From Tampa to Grand Rapids, an America built to last

Last Friday and Saturday, I traveled to two very different communities to celebrate two very different projects.  In Tampa, Florida, I toured the Interstate-4 / Selmon Expressway Connector, and in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I attended the grand reopening of the Wealthy Street Transit Operations Center. 

The two cities are 1,250 miles apart, but I heard the same message in both places: we welcome the jobs, the more effective transportation, and the economic opportunity these projects are making possible.  And those are precisely the benefits that would be delivered nationwide by the 6-year transportation bill President Obama called for in his State of the Union last week.

In Tampa

In Tampa, the Crosstown Connector will provide trucks going to and from the Port of Tampa with seamless access to I-4, allowing them to drive from the Port all the way north to Maine without hitting a single traffic light. This allows the Port of Tampa to compete for the increased cargo volume coming through the expanded Panama Canal.  According to Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the project has created 14,000 jobs.  And, when you take 11,000 trucks per day from area roadways, you're also making it a lot easier for the region's commuters to get to jobs and schools and other key services.

In Grand Rapids, the Operations Center of the Interurban Transit Partnership--also known as The Rapid--will also make it easier for area commuters to get where they're going.  In the last 15 years, The Rapid's fleet of buses has nearly doubled, as has the number of passenger trips, from 4.2 million to 10.8 million. Because the newly renovated center increases The Rapid's storage and maintenance capacity, the fast-growing transit service will be better equipped to meet its customers' needs.

These are two very different projects that are both so important to their communities. And both of them have been supported by federal investments.  These investments have created jobs, and they've improved access to economic opportunities like shiploads of cargo or jobs.

And if Congress acts on the President's call for a long-term transportation bill that continues investing in the foundation of our economy, we will see those benefits achieved in communities from coast to coast. Across America, there is work to be done on needed projects like Tampa's Crosstown Connector and The Rapid's Transit Operations Center.  Across America, there are workers ready to roll up their sleeves and lay track or pour concrete.

Let’s put our friends and neighbors back to work making a transportation system that is once again the envy of the world.  Let's dig deep and forge the foundation of an America that’s built to last.

Innovation at the DC Auto Show emphasizes the re-emergence of manufacturing industry

Innovation is the cornerstone of the automotive industry.  From safety improvements like seatbelts and airbags to technological advances like catalytic converters and alternative fuel vehicles, invention and creativity have propelled the world's automakers for more than a century.

So when I visited the Washington Auto Show yesterday, I was very excited to see what is coming next.  And the exhibits definitely did not disappoint.

As I said last week, Detroit is back.  After a few years of struggle, the Big Three--General Motors, Chrysler and Ford--have been able to re-emerge stronger and more profitable because of restructuring, innovation, and President Obama's decision to invest in American workers and American ingenuity.

These companies are making a profit for the first time since 2004; they’re gaining market share; and Chrysler and GM repaid the U.S. Treasury nearly 100 percent of the money President Obama lent them in 2009.

And it's not just the American companies that have been revitalized. Whether we're talking about the Big Three, BMW, or Toyota--this resurgence means jobs for American workers who have been waiting on the sidelines to get back in the game.   In the Detroit area and across the nation, the world's automakers are hiring American workers to help them meet the renewed demand.

FTA proposes New Starts streamline

Earlier this week, the Federal Transit Administration proposed significant changes in the way America's major transit projects compete for federal funds.  This revamped approach will speed up the New Starts process and focus more on transit options that fit local needs.

In his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Obama asked government agencies to streamline bureaucracy wherever possible, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. The changes we've proposed would move more job-generating bus, rail, and ferry projects from the drawing boards into construction sooner and with less red tape along the way.  And when we save time, we also save the federal government and local taxpayers money on interest, up-front costs, and other expenses.

As FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff said, “We’re aiming to make common-sense changes that will make a big difference to communities that need more mobility and better access to jobs sooner rather than later.”

Construction on Seattle's Capitol Hill station, jobs supported in part by New Starts

We're also proposing to make it easier for communities to win approval of projects that better reflect their local vision.  Let's face it: with major transit projects, one size does not fit all.  It makes little sense to force an individual community's project to fit a rigid and outdated set of criteria determined by a federal agency a thousand miles away. 

TRB meeting features panel of past and present Secretaries of Transportation

It's been an exciting couple of days to be Secretary of Transportation. Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to be in the Capitol for the 2012 State of the Union, and yesterday, I had the good fortune to sit on a panel with five of our nation's previous Secretaries of Transportation.

Every day, in the corridors of DOT, I see the portraits of Alan Boyd (1967-69), James Burnley (1987-89), Samuel Skinner (1989-91), Andrew Card (1992-93, and Rodney Slater (1997-2001), so it was great to share the stage with them in person yesterday at the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board.

Each of us shared stories of crises and successes, and I hope the TRB meeting-goers who attended found the discussion as fascinating as I did.

Six Secretaries of Transportation at one table; that's TRB.

I was particularly struck by the wit of our nation's first Secretary of Transportation, Alan Boyd, who was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson when the Department was created and had many tales to tell of the colorful characters who populated DOT in its early days.

But he also shared with us one of DOT's greatest successes: getting automakers to include seat belts as standard equipment on America's cars.  As he said, "In 1966, 55,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes. Then we added the seat belts.  And in 2010 that number was down to 45,000, even though Americans drove five times the number of miles in 2010."

That's quite a safety legacy.  And I hope our current campaign to end distracted driving will have a similar impact.

 
Talking before the panel with Andrew Card and Alan Boyd

In Virginia and across the nation, building an economy that will last on infrastructure that will last

In his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, President Obama laid out a blueprint for an America that is built to last.  And if we are going to build an economy that lasts, we need to start with a foundation that lasts.  We need to start with our infrastructure.

That's why I crossed the Potomac River yesterday and drove south to visit our neighbors in Virginia and take a look at the great work they’re doing near Richmond on the I-95 Lombardy Street Bridge.

All photos by Tom Saunders, VDOT

Now, normally, bridge parts are built on the construction site then fitted together.  It's the way we've always done it, but this approach requires extra space, time, and equipment, leading to higher costs, longer construction, and more of those delays that cause headaches for commuters, travelers, and truckers.

So in Richmond, the Virginia DOT is trying something different. Bridge elements are manufactured offsite, then transported to the highway and assembled into position. This makes bridge replacement more efficient, more cost effective, and more convenient for users of this critical interstate highway. 

With VDOT Project Engineer Jorge Suarez, Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones, VDOT Bridge Project Engineer Scott Fisher.

Transportation, jobs, and the 2012 State of the Union

Last night in his State of the Union address, President Obama laid out his blueprint for an American economy built to last, and I was happy to hear his ideas for repairing and upgrading our transportation system.  I also liked his plans for putting workers in the hard-hit construction industry back on the job:

"During the Great Depression, America built the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge.  After World War II, we connected our states with a system of highways.  Democratic and Republican administrations invested in great projects that benefited everybody, from the workers who built them to the businesses that still use them today.

"In the next few weeks, I will sign an executive order clearing away the red tape that slows down too many construction projects.  But [Congress needs] to fund these projects.  Take the money we’re no longer spending at war, use half of it to pay down our debt, and use the rest to do some nation-building right here at home."

When the President says, "There’s never been a better time to build," I am with him 100 percent. With the costs of financing construction at the lowest we've seen in decades, we can't afford not to build.

An American economy that's built to last must be built on a solid foundation, and when we have roads and bridges in disrepair, we simply cannot afford to ignore them.  America's commercial truck drivers are painfully aware of how much crumbling and congested roadways are costing our economy.  We owe these drivers a fair shot at earning a living.

America's businesses need to be able to ship their goods more efficiently throughout the country and the world. To help ensure we have safe and effective roads, rails, and runways beneath our trucks, trains, and airplanes, the President is calling for new efforts to revitalize American infrastructure.

Transportation professionals know that by investing in projects that repair crumbling roads, we can actually save Americans money.  The President’s plan will protect taxpayer dollars by fixing existing roads and by directing funding to the best projects instead of earmarks.

And we will continue investing in innovative ideas like high-speed passenger trains and Next Gen air traffic control technology. These investments work, and with our Buy America requirements, they create opportunities for businesses throughout the supply chain.

In fact, during the past 20 months, our economy has created 3.2 million private sector jobs. Manufacturing in this country is strong and getting stronger.  Our automobile industry has been absolutely revitalized and is a great example of manufacturing’s growing strength.

As the President said, "We bet on American workers.  We bet on American ingenuity.  And tonight, the American auto industry is back."

But we can do more.  "What’s happening in Detroit," the President said, "can happen in other industries.  It can happen in Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Raleigh."

And he's right. Continuing to invest in transportation will continue putting our friends and neighbors back to work laying the foundation for an American economy built to last.

I, for one, can't wait. We've got work to do; let's get busy.

Enhanced video presentation: 2012 State of the Union

 

Tonight at 9 (EST): State of the Union 2012

Tonight is one of the nights I look forward to every year: the President's State of the Union address. This is the night when the President of the United States gathers both houses of Congress, the Supreme Court, and his Cabinet to share his view of where America stands today, his vision for where we can go in the future, and his road map for how we get there.

When I was in Congress--no matter who was President or whether my party was in the majority or minority--I always welcomed the opportunity to hear the President's vision for the next 12 months.  And now, as Secretary of Transportation, I look forward to it just as much as ever.

I'll be listening tonight with an ear focused on what President Obama has to say about our nation's transportation system and how it fits into his blueprint for an American economy that's built to last.

 

This Administration stands on a solid record of service to the American people.  American manufacturing is creating jobs for the first time since the late 1990s. The American auto industry is coming back. We've repaired tens of thousands of miles of roadways and runways, and we've added highway lanes and transit lines to help keep our economy moving. Under President Obama's leadership and thanks to actions he has taken, our economy is growing again and has added 3.2 million private sector jobs during the last 22 months.

But the President has been clear that we need to do more. We need to do more to upgrade our nation's aging infrastructure so goods and people can get where they need to go more safely and more efficiently. We need to do more to put our friends and neighbors back to work.

And tonight, President Obama will lay out his plan to ensure an economy built on revitalized American manufacturing, built on the skills of American workers, and built on American values--an economy built to last.

I'm excited to hear it, and I hope you'll tune in.  And if you do watch at home, I urge you to check out the enhanced webcast on www.whitehouse.gov.  It will feature some terrific graphics, data, and stats to support the President's message. 

In fact, at DOT we're so excited about the enhanced broadcast that we're going to stream it right here on this blog.  It all kicks off at 9 pm (EST).

Transit apps empower riders with information

If you're in Iowa City and waiting for a bus, Iowa City Transit's Bus on the Go app makes it easy to use your smartphone to find out when your bus will arrive.  And if you're waiting for one of Washington, DC's terrific Circulator buses or Metro trains, you can use the "Where's My Bus?" or "Next Train Arrival" app.

Better transit information makes for better planning.  For example, if the temperature outside is 25 degrees, knowing when the next bus will arrive at your stop means less waiting in the cold.  And when people can plan their travel with greater confidence--knowing with more certainty that the bus or train will get them where they're going on time--they are more likely to ride transit.

A sample app for MUNI users

But not all transit riders are so fortunate.  In fact, a review of 276 transit agency systems revealed that only 45 of them provide some information on mobile devices.  And of those 45 agencies, only 15 offered their riders the real-time information precise planning requires.

We think we can do better for our nation's transit riders. So last week, Deputy Secretary John Porcari and U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra gathered a variety of stakeholders to see what we can do to help millions more transit riders get better access to information.

Some transit agencies want to share this information with their customers, but lack the resources. So one of the challenges for the folks around the table was to find a way to reduce the cost of providing the data in a format that can make riders' lives easier.

Ft. Lauderdale runway expansion takes off

Last Thursday, President Obama was in Orlando to help promote U.S. tourism and announce the administration’s goal to ensure that America continues to be a top tourist destination.

One way to make sure our nation can compete effectively for tourist and business dollars is to help air travelers get where they're going as safely and conveniently as possible. So this morning, acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and I went to South Florida to help break ground on the Fort Lauderdale- Hollywood International Airport Runway Expansion.

Near the tarmac at FLL; photo courtesy Broward County, FL

This critical runway project has been a long time in the making.  The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is the 22nd busiest in the nation, and about 22 million passengers fly in and out of FLL every year.  FLL is also one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation.  With this much traffic, it’s no wonder that the airport was often filled to capacity.

New runway construction at Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International will provide 11,000 jobs, and at its peak, the project will contribute more than $1 million each day to the local economy. 

The project will extend, shift and lengthen Runway 9R/27L from 5,276 feet to 8,000 feet, giving the airport two parallel runways that can accommodate air carrier flights.  Parallel runways can increase airport capacity dramatically. When completed, the expanded runway will accommodate 27% more flights into and out of FLL. That's an increase from 84 to 107 flights per hour.

Now, that's how you break ground; photo courtesy Broward County, FL

New aviation consumer protections take effect this week

As I’ve mentioned recently, DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement was hard at work in 2011 protecting the interests of the flying public.  And I'm happy to see that 2012 is off to a strong start.

In addition to the passenger protections we put into place last year --including baggage fee refunds if an airline loses your luggage and increased compensation if you're involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight-- new regulations are going into effect this week to further ensure that America's consumers are treated fairly when they travel by air.

DOT wants to make sure that consumers can easily determine the full price for air transportation before you travel.  Arriving at the airport only to be hit with surprise fees is no way to start a trip.  So the new protections require that airlines and ticket agents include all mandatory taxes and fees in their published airfares and that they disclose baggage fees when you buy your tickets.

Also, beginning this week, if you make your reservation one week or more prior to a flight’s departure date, customers will be able to hold a reservation without payment, or cancel a booking without penalty, for 24 hours after you make your reservation.

FAA.gov goes mobile

Some ideas just make sense.  You hear about a new product, service, or tool, and you think, "Now that's something I can really use!"

That's the response that thousands of pilots, passengers, and aviation enthusiasts had last week when the Federal Aviation Administration launched its new mobile website, FAA Mobile 1.0. 

This new site, customized for today's smartphones, helps the FAA more effectively serve the 4.4 million visitors each year who access FAA.gov with a mobile device.  By creating a new web page exclusively adapted for FAA's mobile customers, the agency can deliver a web experience that offers more information with fewer clicks and less need for entering text or searching.

FAA Mobile is an easy-to-use website that provides quick access to popular FAA-related tasks for folks on-the-go. You can look up N-numbers, find Advisory Circulars, and more.  Of course, the most useful app for our nation's air travelers will be looking up airport and flight delays.

Imagine getting ready to board a flight at the airport and fretting about whether that flight will depart in time for you to make your tightly scheduled connection that gets you to your destination.  A quick look at faa.gov/mobile and you can rest easy: there are no delays at your airport and your flight will depart on time.

For pilots, checking the latest FAA Advisory is also a snap, and that's good for everyone's safety.

DOT STEM mentoring program encourages students

Studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is a terrific start to a career in Transportation.  Essential knowledge in these areas enables us to move forward with bridges that span great distances, new high speed rail designs, and vehicles and aircraft with enhanced performance and improved fuel-efficiency.

To help develop tomorrow's transportation workforce, the Department of Transportation mentoring program combines the expertise of DOT employees with the curiosity and enthusiasm of young minds.  On average, DOT's STEM mentors work 2 hours per week assisting students in grades K-12 with their studies in these crucial areas.

As a former teacher, I can tell you that working with children is a reward in itself, but I want to personally thank each of these mentors.  They are not only serving as role models and mentors for these students; they are also introducing them to all the great career possibilities ahead, including transportation.

NHTSA mentors work with members of Phelps HS Robotics Team 2912 on their robot

In addition to helping kids with their studies, DOT mentors also serve as advisors to students competing in STEM prize challenges.  For example, professionals from NHTSA have supported high school engineering teams in the US First Robotics Competition.

And one agency, the Federal Aviation Administration, actually helps supply the very challenges that are exciting students across the country.  Each year, the Real World Design Challenge asks teams of high school students to design enhancements that improve aircraft performance and fuel-efficiency.  Through RWDC, students use professional design software to account for the forces of lift, weight, thrust, and drag as they work toward a successful prototype to meet the FAA's specifications.

Faces of Distracted Driving: Brittanie Montgomery, 19 "We sit and cry and try to understand."

As her mom, Gina Harris, describes her, Yukon, Oklahoma's Brittanie Montgomery was an All-American sweetheart: "Pretty, intelligent, always smiling, and talented--very talented."

In December 2006, Brittanie was enrolled at the University of Central Oklahoma and dancing for the relocated New Orleans Hornets' Honeybees squad.  Says Gina, "Seeing the transformation from high school to a young lady dancing on a pro level was just--it was amazing."

But Brittanie remained rooted in her community, finding time to babysit for neighborhood children. At school, she was studying childhood development and hoped to work with disadvantaged kids.

On December 21st, Brittanie climbed behind the wheel of her car. She made it about a mile and a half before losing control of the car and veering across four lanes of traffic. At the time of her fatal crash, she was talking on her cell phone.

In our latest Faces of Distracted Driving video, Gina tells Brittanie's story, and I urge you to watch it and share it with someone you care about.

 

My message to the US Conference of Mayors: Let's put Americans to work rebuilding our economic foundation

Last September, the U.S. Conference of Mayors released its Common-Sense Jobs Agenda, calling on Congress to take a few simple steps to help create American jobs. As Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said, “U.S. cities are where much of the nation’s job creation begins.”

Among other priorities, the nation's mayors said, "The time is now to invest in infrastructure jobs."

And this Administration agreed wholeheartedly.  In fact, just a few days later, President Obama introduced the American Jobs Act to a joint session of Congress.  Like the mayors, the President called for federal investments in infrastructure to create jobs and lay the foundation for greater economic competitiveness.

Well, today I spoke with the mayors who gathered in Washington, DC, for their 80th annual winter meeting, and their agenda--like that of this Administration--hasn't changed. We must put Americans back to work.

Fortunately, I was able to talk about the many strong job-creating steps we've been able to take without having to wait for Congress to act:

• Our TIGER discretionary grants, which we announced several months early so America's job-creators can put our friends and neighbors back to work;
• Our support for High Speed Rail corridors, including the millions of dollars in funding we committed in 2011 that has created jobs along those corridors and also among suppliers across the country from Arkansas to Arizona;
• And the regulatory reform we've undertaken to get government out of the way, where possible, so America's job creators can do what they do best.

But one critical piece of the puzzle still waits for congressional action: a long-term transportation jobs bill.  And with Congress returning from its holiday break, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and I agree once again: the time for job-creating infrastructure investment is still now.

Transit in Parks funding: improved access to National Parks and cleaner, greener visitor experiences

As anyone who’s visited our nation’s scenic parklands and protected areas knows, they are truly national treasures.  And since they attract millions of visitors each year, it’s vitally important to preserve and protect these lands by investing in safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable transportation – for today’s visitors as well as future generations.

To do just that, yesterday DOT announced $40.8 million for 58 projects to provide safe, convenient access for visitors to America’s national parks, forests and wildlife refuges, and to modernize aging transportation infrastructure in these important destinations.

Apgar Transit Center at Glacier National Park

This money is provided by the Federal Transit Administration’s Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks program, established by Congress to enhance protection of national parks and federal lands.  The program's projects also increase the enjoyment of those visiting these sites by conserving natural, historical and cultural resources and reducing congestion and pollution.

Federal lands in 24 states and the District of Columbia will use funds to enhance transportation choices for a cleaner, greener visitor experience.  Projects range from redesigning and widening the Nauset Bicycle Trail at Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts to purchasing new buses to transport visitors between Sausalito and the Muir Woods National Monument in California.

FTA Administrator Rogoff visits the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway, photo courtesy FTA

For DOT, Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday is no day off from public service

As we have done for several years now, DOT celebrated the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday by practicing one of our nation's core values: responsibility to your community.  For team DOT, that meant traveling a few blocks from our Washington, DC, headquarters to Tyler Elementary School. 

At Tyler, volunteers spent the day working on various clean-up and beautification projects indoors and out.  Led by Deputy Secretary John Porcari, DOTers and their kids logged a pretty full day.

Deputy Secretary Porcari is not afraid to get down on his knees for Tyler Elementary

Whether it was raking and sweeping outside or painting inspiring messages on the interior walls or writing math facts between steps on the school's stairways, the point was the same: to leave a better Tyler Elementary School for students arriving on Tuesday morning.

The DOT volunteers at Tyler were just a few of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who showed up at projects across the country yesterday to answer what Dr. King called "life's most persistent and urgent question: What are you doing for others?"

Wesley Shoemaker pitches in outside the school

RITA awards grants to University Transportation Centers

Developing and adopting innovative technologies to solve America's transportation challenges takes time and money. But before that, we need outstanding research.  And where better to do research than the many respected universities spread across the country?

Today, our Research and Innovative Technology Administration is announcing grants to 22 University Transportation Centers (UTCs) to advance research and education programs that address the critical transportation challenges facing our nation.  Research at these programs directly supports DOT priorities, and the participating universities are a critical part of our national transportation strategy. 

The structural health of the Varina-Enon bridge was evaluated using acoustic emission sensors in a project
by Hampton University's Eastern Seaboard Intermodal Transportation Applications Center

At DOT, we're proud of the 25-year history of our UTC program. From congestion relief to safer driving and more durable infrastructure, the work done by students and faculty at these institutions has become crucial to shaping the progress of our nation's transportation.  In the past year UTC’s have worked on projects as varied as traffic forecasting, bridge replacement and a “Trusted Truck” wireless inspection system.  The proposals awarded grants this year involve research into a wide range of transportation-related issues including distracted driving, shared rail corridors, innovations in multimodal freight and infrastructure, bridge inspection methods, and reducing roadway fatalities and injuries.

The competitive process used to select this year's grants was more rigorous than ever.  And, it put a premium on collaboration by encouraging each UTC to form a consortium with at least one other school. The awardees include ten UTCs, two Transit-Focused UTCs, and ten Regional UTCs.  Altogether, 121 different schools will participate in UTC research.

Optimism at the Detroit Auto Show; it's bigger than a city

On Monday, after touring the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, I wrote that, "The Motor City is back in business." And as the North American International Auto Show winds down, it's clear that I'm not the only one who liked what he saw this week.

Talking with Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson,
and DOT Deputy Secretary John Porcari

Automakers responded to the Obama Administration’s proposed fuel economy standards by unveiling a number of cars that are easier on the environment and their owners’ wallets.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu praised this development. “We are on the cusp of big breakthroughs in vehicle technologies," he said. "The question is, ‘Which countries will make them?’ Asia and Europe are moving aggressively to seize technological leadership. So must we.”

I’m also pleased to report that for the first time, the NAIAS devoted floor space to addressing the needs of people with disabilities. The Mobility Center showcased adaptive vehicles and accessories that can make riding in a car easier for the 54 million Americans with disabilities. I hope you'll agree that this is a terrific development.

Of course, what we're most excited about at the Department of Transportation is the increased emphasis on safety.  As NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said, "Advanced safety technologies like lane-departure warning, crash-imminent braking and others have enormous potential to save lives and prevent injuries. It's encouraging to see so many manufacturers increasingly offering these safety features as standard equipment on their vehicles."

The talk of progress this week was not limited to the technology on display; many observers noted that the automakers exhibited a confidence noticeably lacking in the last two years. Automakers are building the cars Americans want, and experts agree that America's “Big Three” are in position to sustain the resurgence they’ve worked so hard to create.

Project Ignition keeps the focus on safe driving

As we pursue our top priority, safety, it's always helpful to know we can count on some terrific partners to lend their energy to our efforts.  Project Ignition is one such partner that has a powerful multiplier effect.  The program is made up of different high school teams from around the country dedicated to making roadways in their communities safer.

On Monday, I had the opportunity to meet with a small group of students from Project Ignition's ten National Leader Schools, and if these young advocates are any indication, I know our roadways will continue to get safer.

Sponsored by State Farm Insurance and coordinated by the National Youth Leadership Council, Project Ignition supports student-led school campaigns that address teen driver safety.  We know from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data that traffic crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. But, through Project Ignition, teens are working to change that.

The students--like Katie Neill of ROWVA High School in Oneida, Illinois, and Amanda Logan of Germantown Academy in Pennsylvania--traveled to Washington, DC, where they shared with each other the strategies that have been effective in changing teen driving behaviors. 

American streetcar projects creating jobs today, livable communities and economic development tomorrow

Everywhere I've traveled in the past three years, Americans have made it clear that when it comes to getting around, they want options that fit the unique needs of their communities. The Obama Administration certainly understands the value of providing transportation choices, and that includes modern streetcars that reflect the character of the communities they serve.

As part of that commitment, yesterday the Federal Transit Administration kicked off the first ever Streetcar Conference in Portland, Oregon, to help transportation planners from around the country figure out how to build and manage great streetcar projects in their communities.

 

Today as a highlight of the conference, FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff will join Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Portland Bureau of Transportation Director Tom Miller, and TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane to showcase Portland’s SW Moody Avenue reconstruction. 

This project is a terrific example of how well-planned and executed transit projects can serve as a catalyst for economic development.  The project is truly multi-modal, bringing bus and light rail service to the neighborhood, strengthening connections to the Portland Aerial Tram and Portland Streetcar, and enhancing bicycle and pedestrian access.  Portland used $23 million in TIGER funds to create dual streetcar tracks, widen Moody Avenue, and raise it 14 feet to link with a transit bridge that accommodates streetcar, light rail, bus, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

US Rep. Earl Blumenauer looks on as FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff kicks off the Streetcar Conference

When I helped break ground on the Moody Avenue project last March, I saw firsthand how investments in transit like this one can create a ripple effect, stimulating economic development and creating jobs while easing congestion and improving our environment.

Guest Blogger: Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez I-15 bridge in Nevada months ahead of schedule

What better way to start the New Year than by celebrating the kind of innovation that puts people to work and generates tremendous transportation benefits for Americans?

On Interstate 15 in West Mesquite, Nevada, I had the privilege of watching workers use innovative Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques to install the new Falcon Ridge Parkway overpass. Workers used prefabricated elements to quickly assemble the bridge and slide it into place in 56 hours, allowing the Nevada DOT to complete this project without lengthy traffic restrictions on I-15. Joining me to watch this incredible event were officials from 24 different state DOTs.

 

The West Mesquite project is an example of two key initiatives at the Federal Highway Administration: Highways for LIFE and Every Day Counts. With Highways for LIFE, we advance Longer-lasting highway infrastructure using Innovations to accomplish the Fast construction of Efficient and safe highways and bridges. Speeding up adoption of these important innovations will give taxpayers more bang for their hard-earned dollars and travelers a safer, smoother ride to their destinations.

Partnership tears down barriers, builds sustainable communities

For the past few weeks, I've devoted separate blog posts to various DOT offices and agencies, to tell the story of what DOT accomplished last year.  I think the record of achievement at DOT that these blog posts have established is a strong one.  But we didn't do this work in a vacuum.  We get a tremendous amount of support from our partners--other federal agencies, state and local governments, private sector companies, and non-profit organizations. 

One key partnership, established by President Obama in June 2009, has been the Partnership for Sustainable Communities.  This is an interagency effort among DOT, HUD, and EPA  to improve the way the federal government coordinates its transportation, housing, and environmental spending, policies, and programs. The goal of this effort is to help communities become economically strong and environmentally sustainable, and they notched a very productive 2011.

HUD, DOT, and EPA are working together to assure that their combined investments promote livability, affordability, environmental excellence, and green jobs. The Partnership agencies have jointly reviewed and provided grants and technical assistance to over 200 communities around the U.S.  For example, the Ranson-Charles Town corridor in West Virginia received grants from all three partners to plan brownfield restoration, boost economic competitiveness, and coordinate affordable housing with transportation.

Annual kids’ poster contest an opportunity to remind commercial drivers to "Be Ready. Be Buckled."

Safety has always been, and will always remain, DOT’s number one priority. And while we run many important safety campaigns, I like to remind people that, when you're on the road, one of the easiest and most effective ways of improving traveling safely is to buckle up.

And that message is even more effective when it's sent from a child to a parent.  So we're inviting students across the country to enter the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Partnership’s “Be Ready, Be Buckled” poster contest.

 

More and more commercial drivers in America are using their seatbelts – from 2003 to 2010, seat belt use jumped from 48 percent to 78 percent. But, while this increase in seatbelt use is encouraging, it means that too many drivers are still ignoring the safety data and skipping one of the easiest ways to stay safe behind the wheel .

As 10-year old Lucia, last year’s Grand Prize winner, said, “Since not all bus and truck drivers buckle up, I want to remind them with my art that they should.” 

Adam Carr, a sixth grader from Tampa, Florida won the older group for the 2010 contest

Forecast for 2012: fairer skies ahead for air travelers

DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement was hard at work in 2011 protecting the interests of the flying public.  Whether it's ensuring respect for civil rights, pursuing more transparent fare advertising, or improving passenger treatment during tarmac delays, if you're thinking about traveling by air, this team has your back.

For example, to boost the 2010 tarmac delay rules, last April the office extended passenger protections during tarmac delays to those traveling on international flights or on domestic flights operated by foreign or regional carriers. The April 2011 rule also called for an end to the practice of excluding taxes and fees from the advertised price of airline tickets, and required that the price advertised for air fares include all mandatory fees. Airlines are also required to list optional service fees on the first page of their websites. These provisions will reduce the frustration and sense of having been misled that many air travel consumers endured in the past.

US aviation consumers are getting off the tarmac and into the air

The Air Carrier Access Act makes it clear that that airline passengers with disabilities should have equal access to the same services as all other travelers.  So in October, we proposed a regulation that would require airlines and ticket agents to make their websites and automated kiosks accessible to individuals with disabilities.

A resurgent America on display at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show

Detroit is sacred ground for any transportation fan. It's the birthplace of the automobile, and of the freeway.  A century ago, Woodward Avenue was the first street paved with concrete anywhere in the world.  And every year, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the world's automakers roll out their best new models and designs. 

The Detroit Auto Show always offers an impressive display of innovation. But, when I attended in 2010, the atmosphere was subdued.  A palpable cloud of economic uncertainty hung over the auto industry then.  This year, however, the show has a different buzz.  Today when I toured the exhibits, people were gathered not only to see the latest prototypes, but to celebrate the resurgence of the American auto industry.

The Motor City is back in business.  And for that I am happy to extend my gratitude and my congratulations to President Obama.

When President Obama took office, America was staring down the worst recession since the Great Depression, a recession that hit our auto industry particularly hard.  During the year before the President’s inauguration, this industry lost more than 400,000 jobs. Two great American companies -- Chrysler and GM -- stood on the brink of liquidation.  President Obama had two choices: He could do nothing, or he could take action.

FHWA Emergency Relief funds help disaster-stricken states restore critical connections

Who can forget the images of covered bridges in Vermont washed away by the waters of Tropical Storm Irene?  Or the flooding that occurred nationwide last spring?  When storms get violent, they don’t only destroy personal property and cause injury; they also ruin the roads, bridges, and highways that connect our communities and keep our economy moving.  As a result, first responders must find alternate routes.  Cars are abandoned on highways.  Material assistance--like generators, blankets, and food--can't be delivered.

And when the storms clear, there is much work to be done.

That's why we're releasing $1.6 billion in Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief funds today: to restore what natural disasters have damaged and strengthen our roadways so they will hold up if severe conditions strike again. Emergency Relief funds help fix what is broken and help those reeling from crisis take steps toward transportation repairs and economic recovery.

The $1.6 billion was provided by the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2012, and will reimburse 30 states, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and federal land management agencies for repairs to roads and bridges caused by storms, flooding, hurricanes and other disasters.

Oklahoma City's I-40 Crosstown Expressway relieves congestion months ahead of schedule

In 1965, when the I-40 Crosstown Bridge was first built, the city's population was 320,000. Today, the population in Oklahoma City tops 580,000 with a metropolitan area population of more than 1.25 million. Yet, until today, Oklahomans were still using a bridge built for a much smaller capacity.

That's why the federal government provided $600 million to help the Oklahoma DOT expand this important corridor, relieve congestion, and improve access to downtown Oklahoma City.  The former 6-lane road is now a 10-lane expressway with ground-level and partially submerged roadways that can carry 173,000 vehicles a day, significantly beyond the capacity of the old bridge.

Like earlier segments of the I-40 project in Oklahoma, the new roadway was completed months ahead of schedule. At a ribbon-cutting in Oklahoma City yesterday, FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, US Senator James Inhofe, Congressman James Lankford, and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett celebrated the new Expressway.  Administrator Mendez congratulated O-DOT and Oklahoma for “setting an example for the nation.”

   

2011 a gold star year for DOT's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

The Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at federal agencies were created by Congress to ensure that all businesses are treated fairly and informed of any opportunities provided by the federal government.  Here at DOT, we take this responsibility seriously, and our OSDBU team has demonstrated that commitment through their many achievements in 2011.

They started the year off with a bang, implementing a rule change that helped improve the administration of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in January of 2011. The revised rule requires greater accountability from state and local transportation agencies for including disadvantaged businesses in their spending plans.  The rule change will help DBEs take advantage of opportunities to participate in federally funded highway, transit, and airport projects.

2011 DOT Year in Review: FRA creating jobs, building American infrastructure, ensuring safety

With 2012 here, we've been sharing some of the top accomplishments of 2011 from each of DOT's operating agencies. Today, in our final year-in-review, we look at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

The Federal Railroad Administration enforces rail safety regulations, administers railroad assistance programs, and conducts research and development in support of improved railroad safety and national rail transportation policy. From cargo, crew, and passenger safety to high-speed rail, the agency’s many accomplishments in 2011 are a testament to the hard work FRA professionals demonstrate in pursuit of their mission.

Here is a brief sample of those accomplishments:

• New Positive Train Control regulations allow flexibility and save money while ensuring safety.  FRA amended regulations governing the installation of positive train control equipment, a technology that increases rail safety and efficiency by monitoring and controlling train movements. The new regulations will provide greater flexibility to railroads and save hundreds of millions of dollars even as they improve rail safety.

2011 DOT Year in Review: full steam ahead for MARAD

As 2012 ramps up, we're continuing to share some of the top accomplishments from each of DOT's agencies during 2011.  Today, we look at the Maritime Administration (MARAD).

The Maritime Administration works hard to strengthen America's marine transportation system to meet our economic, environmental and security needs. MARAD supports our nation's ports, shipbuilding, and vessel operations.  The agency also maintains a fleet of cargo ships in reserve to provide ready response during war and national emergencies.  And because commercial mariners, vessels, and ports are vital for supporting national security, MARAD supports America's merchant marine.  That includes educating future mariners at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and developing programs to educate young people about the vital role the maritime industry plays in the lives of all Americans.

The Maritime Administration spent a busy 2011 pursuing these diverse goals; here is a brief sample of highlights:

• MARAD exceeds its goals for cleanup of the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet.  In 2009, the Obama Administration restarted the stalled removal of obsolete vessels from Suisun Bay.  In 2011, MARAD removed the 26th such vessel, Sperry, surpassing by six its promised goal of 20 ships removed.  MARAD's partnership with local environmental officials to remove the vessels in the worst condition and use the best available maintenance practices for the remaining ships have led to a more environmentally sustainable Suisun Bay region.

2011 Year in Review: New safety measures, innovations take flight at FAA

With 2012 here, we're sharing some of the top accomplishments from each of DOT's agencies over the last year. Today, we look at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Each year, millions of Americans travel safely through our skies thanks in large part to the work being done by the Federal Aviation Administration. The dedicated professionals at the FAA work tirelessly to ensure that America's aviation system is--and remains--the very best in the world.  The FAA strives constantly to reach the next level of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. And in 2011, that effort paid great dividends for air travelers.

Here is a brief sample of highlights:

• The FAA took a no-nonsense approach to cockpit laser strikes.  In 2010, the number of reports of someone on the ground shining a laser into the cockpit of an airplane overhead increased.  So, to protect passengers, flight crews, and people on the ground, the agency used a long-standing federal statute to impose civil penalties against those who point a laser into an aircraft.  As part of the ongoing effort to prevent these safety threats, the FAA also launched a new website with statistics, research on the dangers lasers pose, and links for reporting laser incidents.
• The CAAFI program worked to reduce commercial jet fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Because traditional fuel price fluctuations create industry uncertainty, the FAA established the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative partnership with government, industry, and academia working together to make alternative fuels a reality for commercial air travel.  CAAFI has been working diligently to find efficient, cost-effective ways of powering aircraft, and in November, they reached a major milestone when United Airlines and Alaska Airlines flew the first-ever commercial domestic flights using a blend of biofuel and traditional jet fuel.

• Finalized new measures to prevent pilot fatigue.  In December, the FAA overhauled outdated flight and duty rules to give commercial passenger pilots the opportunity to get the sleep they need to operate safely.  Incorporating the latest research on alertness, sleep and fatigue, the new rule sets different requirements for pilot flight time, duty period, and rest based on the time of day pilots begin their first flight, the number of scheduled flight segments, and the number of time zones they cross.


• Continued developing NextGen procedures and technologies.  The FAA continues making progress in the roll-out of NextGen, which is transforming our national airspace from a ground-based system to satellite-based navigation and air traffic control.  This year, we made great strides toward implementing performance-based navigation, and operators continue to save time and fuel at airports across the country. In Seattle, the first phase of the Greener Skies project was completed, and the next phase of implementation is underway to bring additional NextGen benefits.

2011 was another strong year for aviation safety. And I know that everyone at the FAA--in Washington and around the country--will stay laser-focused on ensuring the continued safety and success of our aviation system in 2012.

President opens 2012 by advancing pipeline safety

When we say at DOT that safety is our number one priority, we are not kidding around. And today, as part of that important goal, President Obama signed into law the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act.

Last April, following several fatal pipeline accidents, we called upon U.S. pipeline owners and operators to conduct a comprehensive review of their oil and gas pipelines to identify areas of high risk and accelerate critical repair and replacement work.  We also convened a Pipeline Safety Forum with state officials, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss steps for improving the safety and efficiency of America's pipeline infrastructure.

In one of their final actions for 2011, the House and Senate passed a pipeline safety bill consistent with the legislative proposal we submitted to Congress last year.  This legislation gives the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, an important part of DOT, stronger enforcement tools and increases civil penalties for pipeline operators who do not meet safety regulations.  It's another terrific step forward for greater pipeline safety.

Not only will this legislation help keep America's communities safer; it also helps give pipeline operators the certainty they need to run their systems more effectively. 

2011 DOT Year in Review: NHTSA safety record shines

With 2012 here, we're sharing some of the top accomplishments from each of DOT's agencies over the last year. Today, we look at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Every day, millions of Americans travel on our nation's roadways to connect with their jobs, schools, and families.  And it's the mission of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make sure everyone gets to their destinations safely. 

NHTSA continued its important work in 2011 by conducting research, encouraging safe driving habits, and holding vehicle manufacturers to the highest standards possible.  Some of the agency's accomplishments include:

• Overseeing a record drop in traffic fatalities.
  Despite a significant increase in the number of miles Americans drove in 2010, the number and rate of traffic fatalities fell to their lowest level in recorded history.  According to NHTSA's early projections, traffic fatalities declined three percent between 2009 and 2010.


• Unveiling a more accurate measurement for distracted driving fatalities.
  As part of a broader effort to refine its data collection practices, NHTSA released a new measure for calculating fatalities related to distracted driving called "distraction-affected crashes." This new methodology focuses on distractions that are most likely to result in crashes, like dialing a cell phone or sending a text message. This produces more accurate data that will allow NHTSA to better focus its anti-distraction efforts.
  
  


• Advancing drunk driving, hyperthermia, and child seat safety programs.
  In order to better protect drivers and passengers, NHTSA raised awareness about a number of safety issues in vehicles over the last year.  The agency launched a new advertising campaign, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," to help get drunk drivers off the street; worked to prevent heatstroke in hot cars by conducting a series of town halls on hyperthermia; and issued new safety guidelines for child seats that keep pace with the latest scientific and medical research and take advantage of new child restraint technologies.

There's no doubt that NHTSA has made significant strides to ensure driving is safer for all Americans.  So I congratulate Administrator Strickland and all of our employees at NHTSA for their hard work in 2011, and I thank them for their ongoing efforts.