LaHood confirmed as Transportation Secretary
LaHood said he would continue to support funding for Amtrak, which he views as "the lifeblood of so many communities around America."

[IMAGE]LaHood-panel-full.jpg[/IMAGE] Former central Illinois Rep. Ray LaHood was confirmed as the new Transportation Secretary by voice vote Thursday night.
During the confirmation hearing, held Wednesday, Jan. 21, LaHood answered many questions regarding various transportation issues, including Amtrak. "I have been a strong supporter of Amtrak...it's the lifeblood of so many communities around America," LaHood said, adding that he would do all that he could to help fund the national rail service.
LaHood also expressed his support for seeking additional funding for New Starts projects.
For more on the confirmation hearing, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/us/politics/22lahood.html
More Paratransit

Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
King County Metro Makes ADA Paratransit Easier to Navigate
METRO's Innovative Solutions Award winner replaces complex service-area descriptions with an accessible, interactive map that puts paratransit information directly in customers’ hands.
Read More →
Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation
Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.
Read More →Driving Smarter Paratransit
John Hanlon shares how AlphaRoute is leveraging AI-powered technology to help paratransit providers optimize operations, support frontline staff, and enhance the rider experience.
Read More →
METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners
Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence
Read More →
Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Masabi Teams with St. Louis Metro and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transdev, Hitachi, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
New York MTA Leverages Zoning Program to Advance Station Accessibility
Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →