MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2011

COVER STORY

How Will the Capitol Hill Power Shift Impact Transportation?
By Alex Roman, Managing Editor

With Republicans taking over the House and focusing on cutting spending, it will be interesting to see where transportation falls on their list of priorities. Despite T&I Chairman Mica's plan to push for a transportation authorization bill early this year, the major hurdle remains how to fund it.

Features

Five Questions: Rep. John L. Mica (R-Fla.)

Having long been recognized as a national leader on a variety of transportation issues, Rep. John L. Mica (R-Fla.) was recently elected by his peers in the House of Representatives to serve as the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I), the largest Congressional panel in Congress. He succeeds long-time Chairman James L. Oberstar.

Where Will High-Speed Rail Succeed?

Ridership potential is the number one factor in determining if a corridor is suitable for investment, according to a new study. It proposes that the federal government prioritize investments where the potential for ridership demand is greatest.

Open Fare Payment Systems Convenient for Riders, Transit Systems

One of the benefits of letting riders pay fares using a smart card-based bank card is it allows the transit agency get out of the ticket business. However, costs are still a problem due to transaction fees charged by the banks offering them.

Ramblin Express' Holland Drives Industry Forward

Relatively new to the transportation business, METRO Magazine's Operator of the Year award winner, Todd Holland, president of the Denver-based operation, has become well-known for his innovative thinking and organizing skills, which he used to found the Motorcoach Council.

How to Develop and Launch an Online Trip Planner

Transit agencies share best practices in creating trip planners that keep pace with users' needs. As technology evolves, usability, mapping and mobile enhancements can be added to improve the user's experience.

UMA Expo Attendees Look to 'Refocus. Redefine. Reinvent.' Business

Sessions included a discussion by junior operators on finding ways to reach a wider audience as well as how to breathe new life into the industry. On the legislative front, FMCSA Administrator Ferro was on hand to discuss new safety regulation programs.

DEPARTMENTS

Calif.'s Metrolink weathers record storms, plans service upgrades

In December 2010, record Southern California rains, causing damage such as flooded tracks, forced Metrolink to scramble to maintain services for its customers.

Maryland commuter service to link riders to jobs

MTA will add to its commuter service with 18 new MCI Commuter Coaches.

Business must lead effort to argue for federal transit program

Business leaders are in a unique position to demonstrate, by their very existence, the connection between private sector jobs and the transit program.

Why libertarians are wrong about federal transportation investment

The responsibility of government to enforce public rights of way and ensure a well functioning marketplace was not questioned in America's founding. One of President George Washington's first acts was to plan and design the National Road.

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