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

Sahara Express Bus Rapid Transit line means more jobs for Las Vegas

Last Thursday, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff joined Nevada Senator Harry Reid and others to break ground on the Sahara Express Bus Rapid Transit line in Las Vegas.

Thanks to $34.4 million in grants from the Recovery Act, Las Vegas will be able to build a new dedicated bus lane to improve access along one of its busiest employment corridors.

Because of its innovative elements, the Sahara Express was one of 51 transportation projects selected in February 2010 to receive grants from the Recovery Act’s TIGER program, a national competition for transportation solutions that promise significant economic and environmental benefits for a metropolitan area, a region, or the nation.

The Sahara Express will provide a timely and important boost to the Sahara Avenue corridor, much of which was hit hard by the recession and is now ripe for redevelopment.  The project brings upward of 500 jobs, putting people in the community back to work building a stronger future right in their own backyards.

The project is exactly the kind of American innovation that President Obama spoke about last month in his State of the Union address, urging Americans to win the future by out-building, out-innovating, and out-educating the rest of our nation’s global economic competitors.

President's proposal gives cities greater flexibility

When the Obama Administration released its proposed 2012 budget, U.S. Conference of Mayors
President Elizabeth Kautz (Burnsville, MN) said, “With 85 percent of the people in this country living in cities and metropolitan areas, we believe the best way to "out-innovate, “out-educate” and “out-build" is to make investments that foster growth."

And last week, when I addressed a US Conference of Mayors leadership dinner, my message was simple: we agree with you.

That's why the President's proposal for new surface transportation legislation includes:

• Three discretionary grant programs
• Transit operating assistance
• An expanded national highway system
• An infrastructure bank
• Municipal planning support

The president's proposal creates three discretionary award programs that will benefit cities.  I'm most excited about the competitive Transportation Leadership Awards, which will let us reward cities that break down barriers to performance-based and outcome-driven policies and investments.  It certainly makes sense to me that we invest in success.

It's simple: Rail means jobs

I’ve been pretty vocal about the economic benefits of moving forward on American high-speed rail. And yesterday was no different, when I was honored to speak at the Indiana Rail Summit.

In addition to being the crossroads of America, Indiana is also the heartland of America’s emerging rail manufacturing industry.  And these manufacturing jobs are proof that high-speed rail is already creating jobs and providing economic benefits.

With Mark Maassel, Northwest Indiana Forum CEO; photo courtesy office of Rep. Pete Visclosky

Skilled workers at Columbia City’s Steel Dynamics, Incorporated, are already forging the steel track for construction workers to install in New England. Engineers are busy grading new routes.  These are good jobs that American workers and their families are benefitting from now.

Soon, factory workers will get to work building new locomotives and cars to race along the tracks.  We have already secured commitments from 30 foreign and domestic rail manufacturers.  If selected for high-speed rail contracts, they’ll establish or expand their base of operations in shuttered American manufacturing plants, hiring American workers.  And our "100% Buy America" requirements ensure they'll be using American-made supplies and materials, so U.S. companies, workers, and communities will receive the maximum economic benefit of our high-speed rail investment.

And then there are the ripples of growth and expansion along the corridors and near stations.  When America was building our Interstate highway system, other businesses followed.  First, a few small businesses--like gas stations--planted their feet near off-ramps.  Soon, entire towns grew, with grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses benefiting from the activity that highway access created.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles make pit stop at DOT

Last Friday, we ended our official work week at the Department of Transportation with five very special visitors: an FC-EV, an FCX Clarity, a Borrego, a B-Class, and an FCHV-adv. 

Why are these five cars with initials for names so special?  They're the latest hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from GM, Honda, Kia, Mercedes, and Toyota.  Fuel cell vehicles are zero-emissions vehicles that run on electricity from hydrogen and oxygen.  And they represent an exciting new automotive technology that promises to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower our greenhouse gas emissions.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles are already on American roads, and they are very close to being widely sold in the United States.

Thanks to the California Fuel Cell Partnership, this technology has progressed dramatically in the last few years.  The members of this public-private partnership know that reaching California’s tough goals for cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gases requires full-function cars, pickups, and SUVs that people want to drive.  And DOT is proud to represent the federal government in this important collaboration.

Most importantly, not only do fuel cell vehicles feel and perform like the vehicles we're all used to; they are also just as safe.  The fuel tank protection technology has been tested, tested again, and retested.  And because hundreds of fuel cell vehicles have already been driving on our roads for years, we have crash data available.  And that data tells us the new technology presents no additional safety challenges.

Streetcar revival means more mobility, more American jobs

Earlier this month, I blogged about Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff's visit to Tampa for the grand opening of the TECO Streetcar Line extension to Whiting Street. This $5.3 million project links downtown Tampa to residential areas, restaurants, hotels and entertainment. 

But the TECO Line is just one part of a wave of streetcar projects sweeping across the nation, and last week the Community Streetcar Coalition held their 2011 Streetcar Summit to assess the promising achievements of the previous year and plan for the next 12 months. The CSC includes more than thirty local governments, transit authorities, engineering firms, and rail car manufacturers.  And they are all rightfully excited about the future of streetcars in America.

At the summit, Administrator Rogoff spoke about a range of topics including future efforts to provide federal funding for streetcar projects, the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization, Buy America provisions, and emerging technologies in the streetcar market such as streetcars that operate wirelessly without overhead cables.

As the TECO Extension in Tampa demonstrates, DOT is dedicated to improving public transit services by supporting streetcar projects all across the country.  In addition to Tampa, DOT grants have boosted streetcar projects in Dallas, New Orleans, and Salt Lake City.  And you may recall from another blog earlier this month, we recently signed a TIGER grant agreement with the city of Tucson for its Modern Streetcar Project   This 3.9 mile transit line will offer an affordable, environmentally friendly transportation option to the more than 125,000 people who live, work, or attend college along the route.

2011 "Be Ready. Be Buckled" poster contest asks kids to send a safety message

At the Department of Transportation, safety is always our number one priority. And we all know that seatbelt use is absolutely essential to safety on our nation’s highways.

To help drive this message home, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Partnership is inviting America's kids to create posters for the 2011 “Be Ready, Be Buckled” art contest.  The partnership--comprised of private-sector organizations, associations, and government agencies including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)--encourages commercial drivers to buckle up.

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

Now, good drivers usually don't cause collisions, but at some point, a good truck driver could be involved in a crash caused by a bad driver, bad weather, mechanical failure, or tire blowout. In a crash, wearing a safety belt can prevent injuries and fatalities by protecting against ejection and head or spinal cord damage.

More and more commercial drivers are using their seatbelts, which is great news. From 2003 to 2009, seat belt use jumped from 48 percent to 74 percent.  But that's still much lower than the 85 percent of all drivers on the road who wore seatbelts in 2010.  And it means too many drivers are ignoring the safety data and not buckling up.

We see this contest as a good way for kids to learn about highway safety. It’s also a chance for them to remind their friends and family members in the commercial driving industry about an easy way to protect themselves from harm.

Thanks to Mr. Wellington and his colleagues, America loves the bus!

Yesterday, I had the honor of standing next to Wellington Varona Abud as he received heartfelt thanks from a grateful crowd.

If you've never never heard of "Mr. Wellington," you probably don't ride the school bus to Takoma Park Elementary School in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he was warmly celebrated as part of Love The Bus month.

Congratulating Wellington Varona Abud, who provides a great start to the school day for his riders.
You can see more photos from yesterday on my Flickr site!

Wellington Varona Abud drives one of the 480,000 school buses on America's roads each day.  And the Takoma Park kids he shepherds are among the 26 million schoolchildren who use the safest possible way of getting to and from school.

As Congressman Chris Van Hollen said, "There may be many different school systems across the country, but the one thing they all have in common is that yellow school bus. It's truly a national icon."

 
Video courtesy Montgomery County Public Schools

Most of us never consider the fact that America's school bus drivers are the first education ambassadors our kids see everyday.  But, as Zadia Gadsden, principal of Takoma Park Elementary School, said, "The first step toward a good education is a safe and positive experience getting to school each morning.  The bus makes a difference not just in attendance, but in achievement."

And that's where Mr. Wellington and his counterparts across the nation come in.  And if you heard the affection his young riders expressed for him, you would understand what an important role he plays, not just in keeping those riders safe, but in getting their school day off to a promising start.

Cutting the ribbon for the ICC, an on-ramp to the future

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the ribbon-cutting for the first segment of MD-200, better known in Maryland as the Intercounty Connector.   Now, the sky may have been cloudy, but--because the state was willing to dream big and build big--the future of transportation in Maryland sure looked bright.

And that's because this new stretch of highway truly is a connector.  It will connect employees with jobs and students with schools.  It will connect Montgomery County with Prince George's County and with the city of Baltimore.  It will connect I-270 and I-370 with I-95.

Cutting the ribbon, from left to right, are Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Gov. Martin O'Malley, me, Maryland Transportation Sec. Beverley Swaim-Staley, Montgomery Cty Executive Ike Leggett, Prince George's Cty Executive Rushern Baker, State Senator Jennie Forehand, and Del. Kumar Barve

But most importantly, it will connect people.  The ICC will allow commuters to save nearly 20 minutes each way, giving them back hours of time with their loved ones.  And for every commuter who chooses the ICC there will be one less vehicle on another road, thereby helping ease congestion for commuters throughout the region.

The ICC was also built with the best environmental stewardship in mind.  This was obvious to me as Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and I rode to the ceremony in an all-electric Chevy Volt.  The road features underpasses instead of overpasses to cut down on noise, and it is landscaped more like a parkway than a highway.

You see, even as we develop other ways of getting around, 21st century transportation projects will continue to feature roadways prominently.  So we owe it to the next generation of Americans to build those roadways as safely and sensibly as possible. And the Department of Transportation will continue to partner with states like Maryland and Governors like Martin O'Malley to do just that.

Faces of Distracted Driving: Casey Feldman, 21 A father asks: "Listen to Casey’s story, share it, and commit to driving safer"

Today, I'm proud to present the first video in our Faces of Distracted Driving series submitted by a member of the public. 

When I first watched this video, it was immediately clear to me that Joel Feldman poured a tremendous amount of love for his daughter Casey into this project.   And his story is so powerful that I've turned today's blog post over to Joel.  His commentary begins after the video below; I can't thank him enough for sharing his video with us and for explaining so eloquently why he chose to record Casey's story.

Please watch Casey's story--and the other stories featured at www.distraction.gov--and share them with someone you care about.  And, remember, if you've lost someone to distracted driving, please consider filming your story and sharing the link by emailing it to faces@distraction.gov.

Joel Feldman:

I've never met any of the people featured in the "Faces of Distracted Driving" series.  Yet I feel closer to them than those I have known for years because of our common experience. 

We feel the pain every day--what we have lost, what our loved ones whose lives were cut short have lost, and what the world has lost by not having these very special people here.

Public transit is the right move; President's budget supports stronger communities, economic growth

As President Obama made clear in his State of the Union Address, if America hopes to win the future, we must out-build and out-innovate the rest of the world in order to grow our economy and create jobs. Investing in a modern transportation network is a perfect example of how we can equip future generations to compete in a global economy.

One part of the President's plan is to promote more efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly public transportation opportunities. The Administration’s 2012 budget proposal recommends 28 important transit construction projects across the United States that will improve transit service for millions of Americans.

And once these projects are under construction, they’ll generate hundreds of thousands of jobs in cities and towns across the country.


Construction on the Sound Transit University of Washington station

Adding transit opportunities is an all-around win for our nation. Even as these new transit lines increase our mobility--giving millions of people more options for getting to jobs, doctors, grocery stores, and other essential services--they also help reduce our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Improved transit access also supports economic development. For example, one of the new projects, extending rail service through Silicon Valley in San Jose, California, will help innovative, high-tech companies attract and retain a talented workforce.

DOT mourns passing of Stephanie Binder

This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the entire auto safety community experienced a profound loss following the unexpected passing of one of our colleagues, Stephanie Binder.

Though she was only 35 years old, Stephanie had already accomplished much in her career.  She was a human factor engineer at NHTSA and played a vital role in the Department’s efforts to combat distracted driving.  She was the primary author of NHTSA’s overall driver distraction plan, and played a leading role in both of our Distracted Driving Summits.  She even worked on the distraction issue internationally, chairing the Human Factors Working Group for the Bilateral Agreement between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the European Commission. 

And she was recognized for her efforts with several awards and honors, including the 2009 Superior Achievement Award, which recognizes employees who have substantially contributed to agency programs through exemplary professional performance and leadership.

But beyond her professional accomplishments, Stephanie was a beloved co-worker and friend.  She was vivacious and outgoing, with an ever-present smile that never failed to cheer her colleagues.

I am deeply saddened to lose such an important and well-liked member of our DOT team.  And all of us here at the Department will continue to honor her legacy by carrying out the important safety work to which she dedicated her life.  My thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie, her husband Justin, and all of her family, friends, and co-workers. 

America's Crossroads

 
Cross-posted courtesy of The Hill

Through 10 presidential administrations and 28 sessions of Congress, Americans planned and paved a state-of-the-art highway network.

Our roadways connect people with school and jobs. They carry products of agriculture and industry to market. They remain the world’s envy. 

Simply put: No modern interstates, no modern United States.

Yet, today, our transportation system has reached a crossroads. America’s highways will always be essential avenues for travel and transport. But we can no longer rely exclusively on a marvel of 20th century engineering and construction to guarantee 21st century economic growth, opportunity, and competitiveness.

This week, President Obama unveiled his blueprint for America’s next six-year transportation bill. It provides the vision and funding to rebuild crumbling roads, bridges and transit systems, while spurring economic development and job creation with investments in the safest, fastest, most reliable ways to move people and products.

I know that we can get this legislation passed and to the president’s desk. After all, transportation is a bipartisan issue. It is one area in which the American people expect Democrats and Republicans to join together in the common good.

I also know that completing this legislation is one transportation project that America cannot do without.

DOT hosts Hours-of-Service listening session; participate in-person, online, or by phone

Tomorrow--February 17, 2011--the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will hold a public listening session on a proposed rule revising hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for commercial truck drivers. FMCSA Adminsitrator Anne Ferro and other officials will be on hand to hear your questions and comments.

From 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. EST, the public can participate by phone (1-866-254-5938, passcode 191857) or by watching the webcast.

Hours-of-service requirements are designed to help prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities by prescribing on-duty hours and rest periods for commercial drivers.

 

As part of the webcast, FMCSA officials will also take online comments and questions from the public starting at 12 noon until 12 midnight EST. You can submit your questions or comments using the webcast page.

Please visit the FMCSA web site for all the details about the live webcast and the on-line comment-and-question forum. 

Comments on the proposed rule may also be submitted by mail, fax and online through our traditional processes for receiving public comments on our rulemaking proposals. 

Our goal tomorrow is to hear what you think about the proposed rule. Whether you're a driver, safety advocate, enforcement official, truck company owner, union representative, or anyone with a concern about this proposed rule, this is a great opportunity to get involved in the rulemaking process..

I know you have lots to say about this proposed rule. We look forward to hearing from you. 

High-speed rail--the future we can't afford to leave behind

Last week, I traveled with Vice President Biden to Philadelphia to announce a comprehensive plan for an American high-speed rail network. As the Vice President said that day, "We know that public infrastructure investment increases private-sector productivity, promotes growth, and creates jobs."

That’s because transportation is the lifeblood of today’s global economy.  And if we can’t move goods and people faster and more efficiently than our competition, there’s no way we can remain the most prosperous and productive country in the world.  The undeniable fact is that our existing systems are not up to tomorrow's load.

Unfortunately, some continue to take the short view on our economy. Robert Samuelson's attack on President Obama's high-speed rail initiative in Monday’s Washington Post was equally as shortsighted as the Post’s editorial last month criticizing our high-speed rail plan.

But as the Secretary of Transportation, let me be clear: there is no amount of money that could build enough capacity on our highways and at airports to keep up with our expected population growth in coming decades.  America’s population will grow by 70 million in the next 25 years and 100 million in the next 40 years. Adding capacity to an interstate highway in the congested Northeast would cost more than $40 million per mile and cause enormous traffic backups, assuming we even had the space. A relatively “inexpensive” airport runway can cost half a billion dollars to construct.

High-speed rail can alleviate congestion both in the air and on our roads. It can do that with more energy efficiency than other forms of transportation. High-speed rail will involve upgrades to our freight rail system that will be needed to serve a swelling population. And it will support an industry that will add jobs for our workers.

In fact, more than 30 foreign and domestic rail manufacturers and suppliers have committed to locating or expanding their base of operations in the United States if they get the chance to work on our high speed rail program. Some are already locating here.

Siemens, for example, is manufacturing train cars and other equipment in Sacramento. CAF is doing the same in Elmira, New York. Caterpillar/EMD is building a locomotive assembly plant in Indiana. And Steel Dynamics, Inc. is expanding a steel manufacturing plant in Columbia City, Indiana.

AAA a model partner for safe driver education

Whether the message is automotive safety or the need for better roads, AAA has been a leader in educating America's drivers for 108 effective years.

In his State of the Union address a few weeks ago, President Obama outlined three areas where America must excel to secure our economic future: innovating, building, and educating. If you've been reading this blog since then, you're already familiar with many of DOT's efforts to support innovation and build for tomorrow.

Because safety is our number one priority, DOT is also committed to educating Americans about ways to travel as safely as possible, no matter what form of transportation they use.  And thanks to terrific partners like AAA, we've been able to stretch our safety dollars.

A key example of this is our campaign against distracted driving.  Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet with the AAA Board of Directors to discuss this important issue.  AAA has been a great partner in the fight against distracted driving, educating its members and teaming up with DOT and Seventeen Magazine to launch a “Two-Second Turnoff” video challenge. 

AAA has developed very effective driver education resources on texting while driving that have been made available free of charge to driving instructors nationwide.  AAA also partnered with the instructional video website MonkeySee to create a series of instructional videos on how to avoid distractions while driving.

This is only one of AAA's several videos on distraction-free driving

Tightening our belts, strengthening our future

A few weeks ago, President Obama delivered a powerful message in his State of the Union Address.  He said that for America to win the future, our citizens and companies need the safest, fastest, most reliable ways to move goods and information.

He called on the nation to repair our existing roads, bridges, and transit systems and to build new projects of national significance.

The President’s 2012 budget--and his six-year plan for the future of American transportation--will accomplish precisely this.

President Obama's proposal includes a $50 billion “up front boost” that will jump-start job creation while laying the foundation for future competitiveness and prosperity. It also includes a $30 billion national infrastructure bank that will finance major projects of national or regional significance over the long run. And, where it doesn’t compromise safety or jobs, the proposal recommends tightening our fiscal belt.

There’s no question that America’s transportation system is at a crossroads.  Our choice isn’t between policies on the left and policies on the right.  Our choice is whether we keep our economic recovery rolling forward or whether we allow it to fall backward.

It’s up to us whether we lay a new foundation for economic growth, competitiveness, and opportunity, or whether we shortchange the future, settling for a status quo stifled by outdated and overburdened infrastructure.

Commercial space transportation: the future has arrived

Last Thursday, I attended the 14th annual FAA Commercial Space Transportation Conference, where each year policymakers and technical experts share their insights and discuss the direction of this emerging industry.

Now, in his State of the Union speech, President Obama talked about what it will take to secure our economic future.  The President said we have to out-innovate and out-build the rest of the world.  And no one is innovating more than the men and women who are building America’s commercial space industry.

Private space launch December 8, 2010, courtesy space.com

Commercial space--with untapped opportunities for transport, tourism, and economic development--is the next frontier in America's transportation system.  This is not science fiction; it's a truly exciting moment. 

Today we see an ever-increasing number of nations and organizations using space to observe and study our Earth, create new markets and new technologies, support global communications and international finance, and enhance security.  Whether we're aware of it or not, the benefits from our use of space touch our lives every day.

Our use of space requires transporting satellites, people, and supplies to low earth orbit.  For nearly three decades, that task has been largely handled by the Space Shuttle.  Now, with only a few shuttle missions left, private companies are stepping up to meet the need.  And they will continue to do so with increasing frequency. In fact, we've already approved more than 200 launches and eight spaceports.

General aviation pulling its economic, safety weight; Building aircraft helps build America

Yesterday, FAA Deputy Administrator Michael Huerta traveled out to Wichita, Kansas--America’s hub of aviation activity--to get a first hand look at the important role general aviation is playing in helping build America’s economy.

In his State of the Union address, President Obama talked about the need to invest in our infrastructure and build business to make sure the United States stays competitive in the global economy.

As Deputy Administrator Huerta saw during a tour of an assembly line at Cessna, general aviation is doing its part to get America’s economy back on track.

Deputy Administrator Huerta gets a tour at Cessna

General aviation supports good paying manufacturing, engineering, research and development jobs.  The last two years have been tough for workers across the country--thousands of aviation workers were laid off in Wichita, as aircraft orders dried up.

Today, some of those jobs are starting to come back--which is a good sign for our economy.

 

Congratulations, Let's Move! for a tremendous first year

Today I want to congratulate First Lady Michelle Obama and the Childhood Obesity Task Force for completing a very effective first year.

A year ago, President Obama announced that the First Lady would lead the charge to encourage children to exercise more and adopt healthier eating habits through the new Childhood Obesity Task Force.

In assuming this charge, Mrs. Obama asserted an ambitious goal: "I am determined to work with folks across this country to change the way a generation of kids thinks about food nutrition and physical activity."

One of the Task Force's first steps was to create Let's Move!, a great web resource offering parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. I urge you to pay this terrific site a visit.

Here at DOT, several of our initiatives complement the work of the First Lady's task force. Walking, bicycling, and complete streets efforts all promote the healthier lifestyle needed to help eliminate childhood obesity. And whenever we get the chance, we've enjoyed sharing those initiatives on Let's Move!

Guest blogger Deputy Secretary John Porcari: Good, green jobs today, a stronger America tomorrow

Yesterday, I had the honor of representing Secretary LaHood and the Department of Transportation at the 2011 Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference. This forum seeks to share ideas for building a strong, competitive economy--with good jobs--that also works to reduce global warming and address other environmental problems.

Secretary LaHood and I think DOT brings a lot to this important conversation. We know Americans can adopt environmentally friendly practices and create good jobs in the process.

And nowhere is the possibility for progress greater than in the transportation sector, which accounts for two-thirds of the United States’ oil use and contributes one-third of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

Secretary LaHood rides the rails with Vice President Biden, official White House photo

When we talk about good jobs and green jobs, I cannot imagine a strategy more appropriate than the development of an American high-speed intercity rail network.  Accessible to more than 80 percent of the nation, this 21st century network will help alleviate congestion on our roadways and in our skies, increase convenience for travelers, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The necessary rail upgrades will also improve the efficiency of freight movement in America.

And dozens of companies in the rail business are ready to build plants and hire American workers. Should they be awarded contracts, 30 suppliers and manufacturers have already committed to locate or expand their base of operations in the US. And they'll be building our rail networks with American workers using American-made materials.

Dreaming big, building big; Vice President Biden announces comprehensive high-speed rail plan

Two weeks ago, President Obama delivered a powerful message. To win the future, the President said, we must dream big and build big.

That's why it was such a privilege yesterday to join Vice President Biden in Philadelphia to announce our comprehensive plan to help the nation reach President Obama’s goal of giving 80 percent of Americans access to high-speed rail within 25 years.

Official White House photo, David Lienemann

There are some things our country cannot afford to shortchange--and one of them is infrastructure. Why? because our economy depends on it.

The President is proposing to invest $53 billion over the next six years to continue construction of a national high-speed and intercity passenger rail network. This will help jump-start a new American industry and create tens of thousands of private-sector jobs even as it builds a 21st century foundation for our economy.

Vice President Biden said yesterday there is a fundamentally new global competition going on today, and America is well-positioned to thrive in it.  We have innovative entrepreneurs. We have skilled workers. We have whip-smart engineers, physicists, chemists, and designers. 

But our ability to take advantage of our top-notch resources is only as good as our ability to move goods and people quickly, safely, and reliably. As I blogged yesterday, "We must--once again--build the best roadways, runways, and railways in the world."

And the one element of America's infrastructure that is emblematic of a nation seeking to secure long-term economic prosperity for future generations is high-speed intercity rail.

Now, the reason we made our announcement in Philadelphia's 30th Street Station is simple. That is where folks traveling from Pittsburgh and Harrisburg on Amtrak’s Keystone Corridor connect to high-speed Acela service to Boston, New York City, and Washington, DC.  Since track improvements raised speeds between Harrisburg and Philadelphia to 110 mph in 2006, the Keystone Corridor has seen rail ridership rise by 57 percent.  In fact, more passengers now travel from Harrisburg to Philadelphia--and from Philadelphia to New York City and Washington DC--by rail than by plane.

Pennsylvanians get it. Like the Americans who built this great nation, they have seen a vision of the future and said, "Yes," in terrific numbers. They know that, for certain trips, rail just makes more sense.

NHTSA-NASA study of Toyota vehicles finds no electronic causes of unintended acceleration

I have said many times that when it comes to safety, the Department of Transportation will not take a back seat to anyone. As long as I am on the job, the safety of the American public will be my top priority.

Last year, in service of this commitment--and at the request of Congress’ --we launched an unprecedented study into unintended acceleration in Toyota automobiles. We asked a straightforward question: Could electronic systems or electromagnetic interference cause unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles?

Seated from left to right: Michael Kirsch of NASA, NHTSA Dep. Admin. Ron Medford, and NHTSA Admin. David Strickland

To help answer this question, we enlisted the top engineers at NASA with expertise in computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity. They worked shoulder to shoulder with the best minds in auto safety at the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help get to the bottom of any electronic causes of unintended acceleration.

And today we have heard clearly and affirmatively that NHTSA, America’s traffic safety organization, was right all along.

NASA's Michael Kirsch explains the thorough testing of Toyota vehicles

NASA's team found no electronic flaws in Toyota vehicles capable of producing the large throttle openings required to create dangerous unintended acceleration incidents.

NHTSA has already identified the only two known real-world causes of high-speed unintended acceleration in Toyotas, and Toyota has taken action to correct these defects. The first defect involved a design flaw that allowed drivers’ gas pedals to become entrapped by floor mats while their vehicles were in motion. The second defect, so-called “sticky pedals” made some Toyota accelerators too slow to release.

DOT officials take message on the road: Building for tomorrow, creating jobs today

In his State of the Union address two weeks ago, President Obama reminded us that to win the future, we must dream big and build big.  To secure long-term economic prosperity for future generations, we must--once again--build the best roadways, railways, and runways in the world.

This week, officials from the Department of Transportation will join me in taking that message on the road in the best possible way: by celebrating the communities that are already making that happen and the people who are getting America back on track to economic growth, opportunity, and competitiveness.

Stepping off the train with Vice President Biden, courtesy Reuters, Larry Downing

This morning, for example, Vice President Biden and I took the train to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station where we'll announce a comprehensive plan to continue construction of a national high-speed and intercity passenger rail network. High-speed rail will not only revolutionize transportation in America, it will reinvigorate our manufacturing sector, create jobs, and enable economic development all along its corridors.

Capital Area Transit facility takes shape; this photo and below courtesy goodnightraleigh.com

And this morning, Deputy Secretary John Porcari and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff will be in Raleigh, NC, touring the exciting new Capital Area Transit operations and bus maintenance center. This facility expands CAT's bus maintenance capacity from 50 up to a possible 200 buses, accommodating the region's growing transit network.

"Our investment in projects like this," says FTA Administrator Rogoff, "puts skilled workers on the payroll today accommodating transit growth for years to come."

Oklahoma City I-40 success points the way forward

At the Department of Transportation we are helping to secure America's future by upgrading our nation's transportation infrastructure to support economic growth. And I can't help thinking about one such upgrade that was scheduled to be realized this year--only to be completed a stunning 10 months ahead of schedule!

The I-40 reconstruction project in Oklahoma between Yukon and El Reno was completed in early December 2010. The $60 million project covered nearly seven miles and included roadway reconstruction, resurfacing, safety improvements and reconstruction of three bridges. That's a lot of work.

And work that was important to the people of Oklahoma, too. An average of 39,000 vehicles travel this section of I-40 daily, and more than 28 percent of that traffic is commercial trucks.

Prior to the upgrade, this section of I-40 was identified as one of the worst interstate pavements in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and repairing it was recognized as a critical need by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The stretch of highway had even been singled out by Parade Magazine as one of "The Worst Roads in America."

But it took a grant of nearly $30 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to get the project moving.

Grassroots efforts continue seeking to end distracted driving

Occasionally on Fastlane, I like to highlight grassroots safety efforts around the country to congratulate the people making a difference in their communities. I have been particularly amazed by the groundswell of efforts by ordinary citizens of all ages and walks of life who have joined our fight to stop distracted driving.

From Texas to Wisconsin and Idaho to Florida, they are doing incredible work to keep their fellow Americans safe on our roadways.

In Texas, renowned cartoonist Clyde Peterson's simple campaign to get drivers to stop texting in Houston school zones has grown into a full-fledged effort to ban texting throughout the state.

"My gosh," says Clyde, "I just wanted to put up a few signs near our local elementary school. Then I had to try and push the Houston City Council. I didn't think it would lead to contacting state legislators and organizing meetings with the community."

"But, at least I'm not alone," he says. "There's Kelsey Foster, a West Texas teen who nearly got herself killed while texting and driving. She's promised to park her damaged car at her school as a reminder to other students. And we've got Alex Brown's family and their work to educate students around the state."

 

He's referring, of course, to Jeanne and Johnny Mac Brown, who were recently featured on national television for their work to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. The Browns, with daughter Katrina, are also the subject of our latest "Faces of Distracted Driving" video.

In Wisconsin Rapids, two junior high school students, Hannah Kiiskila and Lizzie Tapia, are showing our "Faces of Distracted Driving" video featuring fellow Wisconsinite Laurie Hevier to try to get the City Council to ban cell phone use behind the wheel. Laurie's mother, Julie Davis, was killed in Wisconsin Rapids by a distracted driver.

Wisconsin already bans texting while driving, but Hannah and Lizzie know from watching our video that texting is not the only dangerous device distraction on Wisconsin roadways. Lizzie believes a cell phone ban would be her generation's equivalent to the seat belt law. Hannah points out to everyone she talks to that, "Its just not worth somebody's life."

FAA partners with JetBlue to advance NextGen innovation

In his State of the Union address, President Obama called for targeted investments that harness American innovation to strengthen our nation.  And if you've been a frequent reader of this blog, you know that NextGen--the transformation of our national air traffic control system from ground-based to satellite-based--is one such American innovation.

That's why I’m pleased to announce that the Federal Aviation Administration and Jet Blue Airways have forged a new partnership to help advance this technology.  Under this agreement, the Department of Transportation will invest $4.2 million for NextGen equipment in 35 of Jet Blue’s A320 planes.

FAA Administrator Babbitt speaking, with JetBlue CEO Dave Barger (left)

This will enable Jet Blue to fly more direct routes--saving time and fuel--between Boston, New York, Florida, and points up and down the East Coast.  The agreement also allows the FAA to gather valuable data and evaluate NextGen's role in opening additional, less-congested, and off-radar flight paths along the crowded eastern seaboard.

By converting to a GPS-based air traffic system, we can get better aircraft information to our air traffic controllers faster.  This means enabling more frequent takeoffs and landings, relieving congestion, and further reducing fuel consumption.

Courtesy Jim Tise, FAA

Sgt. Bob Sheffield, Metropolitan Nashville Police Dept: Distracted drivers put selves, others at risk

The following was written by Sgt. Bob Sheffield of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. It is cross-posted, courtesy of The Tennessean. Sgt. Sheffield is supervisor of the MNPD's traffic unit. From everyone at DOT, "Thank you, Sgt. Sheffield!"

It is an alarming safety hazard that is becoming increasingly common on the streets of our city, state and nation. Chances are you have seen it first hand. The motorist who you believe may be drugged or drunk due to weaving and an erratic speed is instead preoccupied on a cell phone device sending or reading text messages.

This distracted driver is putting not only themselves, but you, me and our families at unnecessary risk, so much so that the Tennessee legislature has made texting while driving illegal in Tennessee. Our police department is taking new steps to enforce this law as part of our continuing efforts to prevent crashes, reduce injuries and save lives.

Texting while driving is a very dangerous practice exhibited by young drivers, college students and persons in their 50s and beyond, despite strong admonitions against it by parents, educators, law enforcement and celebrities like Oprah Winfrey. It truly is the modern day distraction from the roadway.

In 2010, there were 26 fatality crashes caused by "failure to maintain lane" or "running off the road."

Although we cannot say definitively that these crashes involved distracted driving, it is likely that many of them did. These 26 crashes accounted for 37 percent of all fatalities in Davidson County last year. Nationwide, 5,474 persons died in crashes involving driver distraction. That is why the effort to stop texting while driving is such a big deal.

FHWA Engineer inspires with determination, innovation

Last October, at the dedication of the O'Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge near Hoover Dam, I said the new crossing was "proof positive that America is not afraid to dream big." And since then the Hoover Dam Bridge has been widely acclaimed as a "new landmark," a "majestic showcase," and a "great American triumph."

But completing a seemingly weightless structure--wedged into the rock cliffs of the Black Canyon 900 feet above the Colorado River and capable of carrying US-93's thousands of cars and trucks each day--was no simple matter. For Federal Highway Administration engineer Dave Zanetell, it was the challenge of a lifetime.

The new crossing required unprecedented engineering and project management creativity. It required the kind of innovation this country has long prided itself on, which is exactly what President Obama evoked in last week's State of the Union address.

Believe it or not, when Dave was offered the position of Project Manager, some of his fellow engineers tried to discourage him from taking on the project. They told him:

“That job will never be properly funded. The budget is not nearly enough for a bypass like this. Stakeholders will never support the job. It’s a pipe dream. It’s career suicide.”

FHWA-Central Federal Lands engineer Dave Zanetell explains the sturctural challenges

But Dave thought about it and “realized that nothing great—certainly, no great public works project—ever happened because it was easy.”

“I never had a doubt about this project—not one,” he says. “I have to believe that Frank Crowe, who had my position with the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, was surrounded by naysayers. I know for a fact he never doubted. I think it’s important that, when you’re leading the effort, your team knows, ‘Our leader has no doubt.’”

Kings Point pennant journeys south (and I mean, really south)

Although winter weather seems to have socked in many parts of America this week, the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, reports that a Kings Point pennant recently found its way to a place far colder than most of the United States.

On Monday, RADM Phillip Greene, Jr., Superintendent of the USMMA, received an email from RADM Mark Buzby, USN, Commander of the Military Sealift Command. Attached was the photo below of RADM Buzby posing in Antarctica with the KP pennant.

Admiral Buzby (Kings Point '79) writes:

"Just back from my travels to Antarctica to check on MSC piece of Operation DEEP FREEZE resupply mission.  While there, I had the opportunity to visit the US base at the South Pole - Amundsen-Scott Station, and could not resist hoisting the KP pennant there.  This is actually the pennant off JERRY LAND flown proudly for many years.

"Believe this is the first time the KP pennant has ever travelled there, and certainly at the lowest temperature it has ever flown (-10 deg F with -43 deg windchill!). 

"Being a well-trained Mariner, I did not trust the scientist's position of the geographic Pole, and instead verified the true posit with my handheld GPS. Good fix."

Good fix, indeed! As the photo above shows, RADM Buzby and the Kings Point burgee were situated at a latitude of 90° south.

It is comforting to know that Kings Point grads like Admiral Buzby demonstrate the good training provided at the Academy throughout their careers. It's also comforting to know that USMMA alumni like the Admiral and others keep the Academy in their hearts.

DOT pursuing innovation for greater safety, productivity

In his weekly radio address on Saturday, President Obama said that promoting innovation "is going to be key to growing our economy and helping businesses create jobs."

I know one Department that has been pursuing innovation for years and shows no signs of stopping.

Last week on this blog, you may have read about Proterra's new fast-charging electric buses brought into production through Federal Transit Administration support and about Ford's safety demonstration of Vehicle-To-Vehicle Communication supported by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.

The Proterra crew celebrates the first EcoRide BE-35

But we've got plenty more innovation in the works. Whether it's the Every Day Counts or Highways For LIFE initiatives of our Federal Highway Administration, the Bus Testing Program in the FTA, or the Wireless Roadside Inspection program of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation is fully committed to promoting innovation.

And even as these programs advance our top priority--safety--they also help businesses across the country stay productive and bring new technologies to market.

Tampa's TECO Streetcar Line "The Little Engine That Could"

Yesterday, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff was in Tampa for the grand opening of the TECO Streetcar Line extension to Whiting Street. The $5.3 million project was funded almost entirely by the Department of Transportation, with $1 million coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

It links downtown Tampa to residential areas, restaurants, hotels and entertainment. It's really about connecting tourists and residents to the downtown area to enjoy festivals, conventions, and all of the great culture the city of Tampa offers.

FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff

This line has been in use for two months, and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit officials are already seeing an increase in ridership. “This is a big step in the streetcar extension, in the line itself connecting Ybor, Chanelside, and now downtown Tampa,” said project manager Bob Atack.

Even before the extension opened, it was already stimulating economic growth. From condominiums to hotels to entertainment centers, the TECO Streetcar Line has generated more than $1 billion in economic investment. The Recovery Act is working for the City of Tampa. By extending the TECO Streetcar Line, DOT is helping to ensure Tampa’s sustained economic vitality.

Tampa's TECO Streetcar Line

New technology to prevent drunk driving could promise safer roads

In 1991, Laura Dean Mooney's husband Mike was killed by a drunk driver and Laura was left alone with an 8 month old child. And, although we've made progress, 19 years later, drunk driving continues to be a deadly problem in the United States. 

In 2009, 10,839 people died nationwide in crashes involving a drunk driver.  These deaths make up 32 percent of all fatal crashes, and are 100 percent preventable.

On Friday, National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland and I took a first look at new Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) technology.  DADSS detects blood alcohol content in drivers and prevents alcohol-impaired drivers from operating their vehicles.  This technology is designed to be less intrusive and less complicated than current ignition interlock systems.

MADD National President Laura Dean Mooney shares a photo of her husband Mike, killed in 1991 by a drunk driver
Photo courtesy AP

Last May I wrote about DADSS research, citing estimates that nearly 9,000 lives could be saved by a system that prevents driving by those over the generous legal limit for alcohol.  The next step, I blogged, would be testing a prototype.  That day has arrived.

At the QinetiQ company's lab in Waltham, MA, we were joined for a DADSS demonstration by Shane Karr of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Laura Dean Mooney, now President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). QinetiQ employees demonstrated one system with a touch-based approach and another with a breath-based approach.

During the demonstration, a lab volunteer was given two vodka drinks 30 minutes apart.  Using both the touch-based and breath-based prototypes, the woman registered a .06 blood alcohol level, so she would have been able to start her car.