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A new rail terminal that will help to tackle local congestion and substantially reduce carbon dioxide emissions was opened by Transport Minister Andrew Adonis today. Trains from the Keypoint Swindon rail terminal will transport around 23,000 vehicles each year from the Honda factory to the Channel Tunnel, meaning almost 3,000 fewer transporters on the roads. This will not only help to reduce congestion on key local routes, it will also cut local CO2 emissions. Andrew Adonis said: "Transporting 23,000 vehicles each year by rail to continental Europe will ensure almost 3,000 trucks are taken off Swindon's roads - cutting congestion and carbon emissions on local roads. "The amount of freight transported by rail has grown by more than 60% since the mid-1990s, which is a tremendous achievement, but we are determined to do more. That is why the Government has announced the most significant rail freight funding for decades - including around £200 million for the development of a strategic rail freight network. "Honda's commitment to transporting Swindon built Civics and CR-Vs by rail, using the new Keypoint Swindon terminal, is to be commended and I hope that this will increase in the future. I also urge other local companies to follow suit." The new terminal will allow Honda to export cars from their Swindon plant to their European logistics centre in Gent, Belgium. The terminal links directly to the Honda facility, and has been developed jointly between Honda and Kilbride Group. Vehicle logistics company STVA operates the movement service for Honda. Up to two trains a week will run from the terminal, with each train carrying over 200 cars. Carrying the equivalent number of cars on the road would require 30 HGVs and substantially reducing CO2 emissions. Last summer's 'Delivering a Sustainable Railway' White Paper set out plans for carrying 30% more freight on the network by 2014/15, including the development of a £200 million Strategic Freight Network. In 2007 the Department for Transport also announced that £150 million will be dedicated to improving rail freight infrastructure, including wider gauge clearance to enable larger wagons, capable of carrying more freight, to run on the network.
              
posted by transport blogs
@ 10:12 PM
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WASHINGTON - The Federal Highway Administration has signed the final Record of Decision (ROD) for Georgia's "411 Connector" project, giving the Georgia Department of Transportation the green light to move forward on this long-awaited link between US 411 and the Atlanta-to-Memphis highway. "By asking tough questions, getting good answers and by getting multiple parties committed to a project like this, environmental streamlining has helped us make progress in months that otherwise could have taken years," said Federal Highway Administrator Thomas J. Madison. "With today's ROD signing, hundreds of thousands of Georgia residents are nearer to the congestion relief they have been waiting for." The action completes the exhaustive environmental documentation required for federally funded road projects, and allows the state to proceed with the connection between US 411, at its interchange with US 41 west of Cartersville, Ga., and I-75. When completed, this project will ease congestion along the existing US 411/SR 20 to the I-75 corridor. "Making the 411 Connector a reality for the people of northwest Georgia has been one of my highest priorities since coming to Congress six years ago," said Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.). "This ROD helps the rubber meet the road, giving northwest Georgians a much-needed connector while serving as an important link in the Atlanta to Memphis Highway." "This is a major step toward getting this important project under way which will help relieve the congestion in northwest Georgia," said Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.). "So many folks have worked diligently over the years to get this project to this point and they deserve recognition for all of their hard work." "I appreciate the hard work by the FHWA, GDOT and especially the cooperation between the local governments and chambers of commerce in Bartow and Floyd counties whose persistence made this happen," said Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), the ranking member on the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "We're excited about the cooperation that we've received from the FHWA along with our state and local elected officials on this project," said GDOT Commissioner Gena L. Evans. "We look forward to the continued collaborative effort of all involved going forward." For more information on this project, visit http://www.dot.state.ga.us/informationcenter/activeprojects/StateRoute/us411connector/Pages/default.aspx
posted by transport blogs
@ 10:35 PM
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Alexander Dennis, a leader in the development of low/zero emission transport technologies, is helping Scotland to meet its 80 per cent target to reduce emissions, First Minister Alex Salmond said today.
The First Minister was speaking as he visited the bus manufacturer's facility in Falkirk.
The visit followed Finance Secretary John Swinney's announcement earlier today that Scotland will lead international action in its response to climate change with an 80 per cent target to cut emissions including all six greenhouse gases.
The First Minister said:
"Alexander Dennis is the industry blueprint for innovation in the development of sustainable transport. As the largest manufacturer of buses and coaches in the UK, the company's commitment to cleaner, greener, more sustainable transport is excellent and most welcome.
"The Scottish Government announced earlier today our ambitious plans to lead the fight against climate change by cutting emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 including international aviation and shipping as well as all greenhouse gases.
"The opportunities for Scotland's modern and vibrant businesses like Alexander Dennis to develop low carbon products are vast. The ultimate benefit is of course a cleaner, more sustainable future for Scotland and our future generations. However, the economic benefits for individual business cannot be overlooked, particularly in the current economic climate.
"Today's visit has enabled me to meet the staff and senior management of what is undoubtedly one of Scotland's leading manufacturers. It is excellent that the company is also a willing, innovative and key contributor to Scotland's international lead in the fight against climate change."
posted by transport blogs
@ 10:47 PM
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GALVESTON - The federal government is making $679 million available immediately to states across the nation to cover costs incurred to repair roads and bridges damaged by a variety of natural emergencies and catastrophic events, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters announced today during a visit to Galveston, Texas. "When natural disasters strike, restoring transportation is the first stop on the road to recovery," Secretary Peters said. Texas will receive $96 million for storm and flooding repairs, including $70 million for the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Ike in Galveston and along the Texas Gulf Coast. In addition, the state will receive $26 million for damages from Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Dolly earlier this year, as well as the heavy rains that flooded El Paso roads in 2006 and other Texas highways in 2007. "Communities like Galveston should be able to look to the federal government as a gateway to assistance, not a roadblock of red tape. Our goal is to get communities moving again," said Secretary Peters, who toured the area with Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas and pledged to help restore transportation services in the city. Nationwide, the emergency relief funds will go to 28 states and Puerto Rico to pay for damages caused by storms, flooding, hurricanes, and other disasters, including the summer 2008 Midwestern floods and recent major hurricanes. The funds will be used to reimburse states for fixing or replacing damaged highways and bridges, establishing detours, removing debris and replacing signs, lighting and guardrails. "Transportation is important to communities struggling to return to a normal routine after a disaster," said FHWA Administrator Thomas Madison. The funds are part of the 2008 Disaster Relief and Recovery Supplemental Appropriations Act that provided additional emergency relief funds. Congress also provides an annual authorization of $100 million for the program each fiscal year. A state-by-state break down of the emergency relief funds can be accessed at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot15608chart.htm..
posted by transport blogs
@ 9:48 PM
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COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina can move forward with plans to build the northern leg of I-73 now that federal officials have approved the environmental review for the project, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters announced today. "With this piece of I-73 approved, the people of South Carolina are much closer to expanding the region’s economy, increasing tourism and easing congestion," said Secretary Peters. Federal officials signed the record of decision (ROD), completing an environmental review process that started 39 months ago for this project. Despite accommodating more than 25 state, local and federal regulatory agencies, including the state Departments of Transportation in both North and South Carolina, the time needed for the project’s environmental review was faster than the 50-60 months typically needed. "We can cut red tape without cutting corners to move important transportation projects forward and still safeguard our natural resources," said Federal Highway Administrator Thomas J. Madison. Federal Highway Administrator Thomas J. Madison will honor members of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) project team with a special award next month in Washington, D.C., for their work in streamlining this project. Coupled with approval of the ROD for the southern segment, which was signed on Feb. 8, 2008, today’s ROD signing completed the FHWA's environmental actions on the I-73 corridor from Hamlet, N.C., to the Grand Strand/Myrtle Beach area. The SCDOT is now cleared to begin right-of-way acquisition and to engage in public and private financing options which can bring the project to completion more quickly. South Carolina was the first state to move forward under the FHWA's Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot Program, which gives the state authority for tolling and allows other states to expand 1-73. When completed, the corridor will be a vital link tying the Grand Strand to states to the north, expanding the region's economy, increasing tourism and easing congestion.
posted by transport blogs
@ 9:28 PM
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters today announced a final decision to provide San Francisco with $87 million to launch an innovative parking plan that will bring nextgeneration technology and rush hour pricing to last-century parking meters, support ferry service and rehabilitate the city's Doyle Drive.
"This plan will make parking more convenient, reduce emissions, and ease traffic jams. This city is showing the nation how a little technology and a lot of innovation can make a big dent in traffic, smog and commuter frustration," Secretary Peters said.
The Secretary said $27 million of the federal funding will support the city's SFpark initiative, aimed at easing parking congestion on city streets through variable pricing. The new, high-tech meters will charge drivers different prices to park - more during peak times, less during off peak - to keep traffic flowing and guarantee parking will be available. She said $13 million will also be made available to support ferry service in the Bay Area.
Secretary Peters also announced that San Francisco will receive $47 million in federal public lands funding to rehabilitate Doyle Drive, the heavily-traveled road that connects the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown. The Secretary noted that San Francisco's original proposal to the Department included a plan to deploy congestion pricing on Doyle Drive, but the city later withdrew that portion of its proposal.
The new parking meter technology will ultimately allow drivers to find a parking spot by checking variable message signs, phoning a 511 service, or via the internet, Secretary Peters said. Instead of relying on quarters, drivers will be able to pay with their credit, debit or Smart Trip cards, and will eventually be able to text in a payment using their cell phones, she said.
The Secretary applauded Bay Area leaders for their willingness to try new ways to help commuters and the environment. She noted a 2006 citywide survey found that over half of all drivers take more than five minutes to find parking, resulting in a gallon of wasted gas for every 10 cars looking for parking at a given time.
The funding for San Francisco's parking initiative and ferry service is provided through the Department's Urban Partnership Program, aimed at finding new, innovative ways to fight congestion on America's roads.
posted by transport blogs
@ 10:33 PM
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DOT Initiative Awards Two Contracts for Regional Demonstrations. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded nearly $3.4 million to eight states to improve safety and reduce congestion during bad weather. The funding will help support efforts to give transportation officials better, timely information about road conditions so they can respond accordingly. Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Minnesota will receive the funds from the Department. Contact: Kim Riddle (202) 366-5128.
FRA Announces Funding for Proposed Maglev Projects East of the Mississippi River. Beginning October 20, 2008, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will accept applications from states or state designated authorities for $45 million in grant funding for proposed magnetic levitation (maglev) projects located east of the Mississippi River. The SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008 limits the eligible projects to those in or between: Pittsburgh, Baltimore-Washington, and Atlanta-Chattanooga. FRA may award one or more grants which can be used for preconstruction planning activities and the capital costs of the fixed guideway infrastructure. The Notice of Funding Availability details the selection criteria and provides additional information, located at http://frwebgate6.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=166654218299+0+2+0&WAISaction=retrieve
Contact: Rob Kulat (202) 493-6024.
posted by transport blogs
@ 10:02 PM
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Advanced brake technology will enable locomotive engineers to have better train control, lower the risk of derailment, and allow trains to safely travel longer distances between required brake tests under a new federal rule, announced U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters. "The concept is simple, better brakes allow trains to operate more safely," said Secretary Peters, noting that the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) final rule on Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brakes will facilitate the widespread deployment of this technology by railroads and railcar owners. Peters explained that ECP brakes provide numerous safety and business benefits compared to conventional air brake systems that have changed little since the 1870s. ECP technology provides simultaneous and graduated application and release of brakes on all rail cars within a train, resulting in shorter stopping distances, longer trains that can operate at faster speeds, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions. It also complements other advanced rail safety technologies like Positive Train Control systems, she added. "I believe that railroads and railcar owners will increasingly realize the benefits of ECP brake systems and will make the necessary investments," said FRA Administrator Joseph H. Boardman, adding that while ECP brakes are not mandated, the final rule establishes the performance requirements for its use. Boardman said the final rule permits trains to travel up to 3,500 miles without stopping periodically for certain routine brake inspections - more than double the current limit - because ECP brake systems contain continual electronic self-diagnostic 'health check' capabilities that inform train crews when maintenance is required. For example, an ECP-equipped intermodal container train originating from the ports of Los Angeles-Long Beach may safely travel all the way to Chicago without stopping for a routine brake test. Similarly, ECP brake-equipped coal trains will be able to make quicker deliveries from western coal fields to power plants in the eastern and southern states. The final rule requires that ECP brake systems fully comply with existing industry standards and that certain railroad operating rules and training programs be modified to ensure workers have the knowledge and skills required to properly utilize the systems. Under FRA approved waivers, Norfolk Southern Railway and BNSF Railway are already operating several ECP-equipped coal trains, and the Union Pacific Railroad is expected to begin operating some ECP-equipped intermodal container trains this fall. The final rule is available at: http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-22549_PI.pdf.
posted by transport blogs
@ 10:04 PM
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NORFOLK, VA - The federal government will establish a new national network of marine highways to help move cargo across the country in order to cut congestion on some of the nation's busiest highways, announced U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Thomas Barrett today.
The Department's "Marine Highways" initiative calls for the selection and designation of key maritime inland and coastal maritime corridors as marine highways, the Admiral said. These routes will be eligible for up to $25 million in existing federal capital construction funds, he noted, and ensures that these communities will continue to qualify for up to $1.7 billion in federal highway congestion mitigation and air quality (CMAQ) funds.
"This initiative does more than simply add new lines to a map," said Deputy Secretary Barrett. "It makes our roads safer, expands our capacity for moving goods and reflects the kind of 21st century innovation we are going to need to be competitive in today’s global marketplace."
The Deputy Secretary noted that the initiative makes it easier for companies to take advantage of the new maritime routes by providing businesses with assistance in locating shippers willing to move goods by water.
"These highways have no stoplights, traffic or potholes," said Deputy Secretary Barrett. "Sometimes transportation solutions require new concrete, but other times the answer is as simple as using existing water."
Admiral Barrett announced the new initiative, which is outlined in an interim final rule, during a visit to the Norfolk, Va., based James River Barge Line. The new service plans to move cargo up the James River to Richmond, shifting more than 4,000 trucks-worth of cargo off nearby I-64 and onto the waterway.
Deputy Secretary Barrett said the interim final rule is available for review at and would go into effect after a 120-day comment period.
posted by transport blogs
@ 9:15 PM
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NORFOLK, VA - The federal government will establish a new national network of marine highways to help move cargo across the country in order to cut congestion on some of the nation's busiest highways, announced U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Thomas Barrett today.
The Department's "Marine Highways" initiative calls for the selection and designation of key maritime inland and coastal maritime corridors as marine highways, the Admiral said. These routes will be eligible for up to $25 million in existing federal capital construction funds, he noted, and ensures that these communities will continue to qualify for up to $1.7 billion in federal highway congestion mitigation and air quality (CMAQ) funds.
"This initiative does more than simply add new lines to a map," said Deputy Secretary Barrett. "It makes our roads safer, expands our capacity for moving goods and reflects the kind of 21st century innovation we are going to need to be competitive in today’s global marketplace."
The Deputy Secretary noted that the initiative makes it easier for companies to take advantage of the new maritime routes by providing businesses with assistance in locating shippers willing to move goods by water.
"These highways have no stoplights, traffic or potholes," said Deputy Secretary Barrett. "Sometimes transportation solutions require new concrete, but other times the answer is as simple as using existing water."
Admiral Barrett announced the new initiative, which is outlined in an interim final rule, during a visit to the Norfolk, Va., based James River Barge Line. The new service plans to move cargo up the James River to Richmond, shifting more than 4,000 trucks-worth of cargo off nearby I-64 and onto the waterway.
Deputy Secretary Barrett said the interim final rule is available for review at http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-23834_PI.pdf and would go into effect after a 120-day comment period.
posted by transport blogs
@ 9:45 PM
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Wednesday, October 8, 2008 - The ation Services Index (TSI) fell 1.9 percent in August from its July level, declining after four consecutive monthly increases, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today.
For the first eight months of 2008, the freight index advanced 2.2 percent, its largest increase for the first eight months of the year since 2002. The index rose 0.1 percent in the first eight months of the year in 2007.
The freight index has increased in six of the first eight months this year, declining only in March and August. At 110.8 in August, the freight TSI was up 2.6 percent since its recent low of 108.0 in September 2007 but down 2.1 percent from its historic peak of 113.1 reached in November 2005. For additional historical data, go to http://www.bts.gov/xml/tsi/src/index.xml.
The freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in the output of services provided by the for-hire freight transportation industries. The index consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.
The August 2008 freight TSI level rose 1.6 percent compared to the August 2007 level of 109.0. During the previous 12-month period, August 2006 to August 2007, the index gained 0.1 percent. The index remains below the August 2005 level.
Despite modest gains since 2004, the freight index has increased 7.1 percent in five years and 10.4 percent in 10 years.
The TSI is a seasonally adjusted index that measures changes from the monthly average of the base year of 2000. It includes historic data from 1990 to the present. Release of the September index is scheduled for Nov. 13.
BTS has issued a new technical report explaining the TSI. BTS Technical Report: Transportation Services Index and the Economy is available for download at https://www.bts.gov/pdc/index.xml in the BTS bookstore.
For More information visit here
http://www.bts.gov/press_releases/2008/bts048_08/html/bts048_08.html
posted by transport blogs
@ 10:13 PM
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United States, Laos Reach Open–Skies Aviation Agreement. The United States and Laos today concluded an Open-Skies agreement that will establish free trade in aviation services between the two countries. The agreement, the first aviation accord between the two countries, makes Laos the 93rd U.S. Open-Skies partner. Under the new agreement, airlines from both countries will be allowed to select routes and destinations based on consumer demand, without limitations on the number of U.S. or Laotian carriers that can fly between the two countries or the number of flights they can operate. The provisions of the agreement take effect immediately.
BTS Changes List of Airports for 2009 Flight Delays. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Statistics (BTS) will not require airlines to report 2009 on-time data for Oakland International Airport (OAK). For the 12-month period ending March 31, 2008, Oakland fell below the threshold of 1 percent of the nation's total domestic scheduled-service passenger enplanements for which monthly reports are required. There are 31 remaining airports on the list. The change is not expected to affect the data as now reported, since all reporting airlines voluntarily submit data for all domestic airports served. BTS made no changes in the carriers required to report. Reports are required from the 18 carriers that met the threshold of 1 percent of scheduled domestic passenger revenue for the 12 months ended March 31, 2008. Aloha Airlines voluntarily reported until it ceased operations in March 2008 and Pinnacle Airlines will continue to report voluntarily. For the complete list of carriers required to report data in 2009 and the airports for which reports are required, see http://www.bts.gov/programs/airline_information/accounting_and_reporting_directives/technical_directive.html BTS also has issued new carrier groupings for 2009 based on revenue. Hawaiian Airlines, with revenue exceeding $1 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, was reclassified as a major airline. The Accounting and Reporting Directive can be found at http://www.bts.gov/programs/airline_information/accounting_and_reporting_directives/number_285.html Contact: Dave Smallen: 202-366-5568.
posted by transport blogs
@ 9:50 PM
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Issued on behalf of the Government Car and Despatch Agency
THE AGENCY which keeps Britain's government on the road has been named 2008's 'Public Sector Fleet of the Year' in the prestigious annual GreenFleet environmental awards.
Ben Davis, fleet manager of the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA), also collected the award for Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year at the ninth annual award ceremony, hosted by Richmond Council and held at Twickenham Stadium last week.
This was only the second year that the Agency had entered the awards, and GCDA Chief Executive Roy Burke said yesterday that he was delighted by his team's outstanding success.
"We were runners-up last year, our first attempt, and that was certainly a wonderful achievement - but to be outright winners in our category this year is recognition of the significant changes the Agency has brought about during the past two years, particularly in reducing the environmental impact of our vehicles," said Mr Burke.
"This is well-earned recognition for the hard work of Ben Davis and all the Agency's staff, from the offices to the workshops. Like the GreenFleet award judges, I am very impressed by what they have achieved."
The GreenFleet awards are judged by a panel of experts from the Institute of Car Fleet Management, the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership and GreenFleet magazine, and recognise the efforts of transport providers across the UK to cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions. This year the awards attracted a record number of entries.
In just over three years GCDA has transformed its 172-strong pool of government vehicles into one of the greenest car fleets anywhere in the UK. It has doubled the number of low-emission diesel cars it runs but, most impressively, 60 percent of its cars are now 'cleaner' hybrid models.
In January 2005, almost eight out of every 10 of its cars ran on petrol. By March this year petrol-driven cars had been cut to 16 percent of the fleet - fewer than two in ten. The average engine size of the fleet has also been reduced to 1741cc from 2247cc four years ago.
With the environment the biggest issue on the British Government's agenda, GCDA's programme to make its operation greener and cleaner is a carbon emissions success story.
The agency's tailpipe emissions have been cut by more than a third, from 232.03g CO2/km in 2004/5 to 145 .17g CO2/km in 2007/8. The GCDA is already within striking distance of the government's own deadline of a maximum of 130g CO2/km emissions by 2012 - it already achieves this target on all newly-purchased cars - and the Cabinet Office has cited the agency as an example of best practice.
Award-winning fleet manager Ben Davis said: "We have done a lot of work on 'greening' the fleet over the past two years and I am delighted that our achievements have been recognised in this way.
THE GOVERNMENT CAR AND DESPATCH AGENCY: BACKGROUND INFORMATION
GCDA (the Government Car and Despatch Agency) is a not-for-profit agency staffed by security-cleared civil servants, bidding alongside commercial companies for government transport contracts. It provides a wide range of services covering every type of transport used by government and its clients, from fleet management to transport logistics for a VIP visit, and from taxi services to day-by-day chauffeur and car hire. Its Government Mail arm has its own secure courier delivery network, a mail-screening service and confidential waste disposal facilities.
Other elements of the GCDA's proactive emissions-reduction programme include:
Offering incentives to the private offices of government departments to persuade them to switch to smaller, more environmentally friendly cars. Since the scheme began in late 2006 there has been a 65% take-up of the offer with a further 23% switching on renewal of the vehicle. Driver training to reduce fuel consumption. Partly as a result of this, the GCDA's fuel consumption has dropped by 17 percent over the last 12 months, a carbon saving of 311 tonnes. Providing an environmentally friendly taxi service for public sector clients which halves the carbon footprint they would make if they used traditional black cabs.
Categories entered in the 2008 GreenFleet Awards:
PUBLIC SECTOR FLEET OF THE YEAR
sponsored by Enterprise Rent-a-Car - Shortlist:
Gateshead Council
Government Car & Despatch Agency (winners)
Humberside Police
FLEET MANAGER OF THE YEAR (PUBLIC SECTOR)
sponsored by Civica - Shortlist:
Graham Telfer - Gateshead Council
Ben Davis - Government Car & Despatch Agency (winners)
Alan Hocking - Humberside Police
For further information, comment and/or interviews, please contact
Harvey Leonard
020 7217 3849
harvey.leonard@gcda.gsi.gov.uk
posted by transport blogs
@ 9:59 PM
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