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.

Comments

[Aileen M J Marshall, MA, MLIS]

I really like the "On the Go" videos ... especially the jar of M&Ms on the Secretary's desk :D

Aileen

[Velma]

This is a very encouraging"post" for me in a lot of ways. Where I live in North Eastern Pennsylvania there is no public transportation at all, you have to drive even to get a bottle of milk, unless you like a four mile walk. This lack of public transportation literally makes people with no car, or who are not old enough to drive practically housebound.The idea that one day we might have a rail station would make a big difference to a lot of people's lives here and I am sure in many other more rural areas as well

[Louise Hardiman]

My question/comment is regarding the over-regulation of public transit buses and crossing State lines. There are multiple FTA regulations to ensure that public transit drivers and vehicles are safe. Yet, when it comes to crossing State lines, transit is subject to additional FMCSA regulations and bureaucracy. As a result, there is an unmet transit need for people living along the RI/MA border. These needs exist in many other states as well. RIPTA will not cross the border because the FMCSA requires insurance amounts that are cost prohibitive. Instead, they are building a transfer center at the MA/RI line where their buses will drop off and passengers can then walk to the S. Attleboro commuter rail station in MA. This is kind of silly, though much less costly than the annual cost for the required insurance. Maybe there is a reason for the FMCSA regulations, but can you please look at them again in regard to public buses already regulated by the FTA? Thank you for all you do!

[Gabe Killian]

Hello,

With concern to the High Speed Rail Project - Is the manufacturing mostly done within the U.S., or is it outsourced? If they are, would this contribute to the job market or would the cost out-weigh the benefits?

Thanks