Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Statistics for early 2011 show that 18.6% of U.S. transit buses used compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and blends. Almost 9% (8.8%) of public transit buses were hybrids and nearly 8% (7.9%) of public transit buses used biodiesel.

Because of the agency’s budgetary problems, an APTA review recommended it cut or raise rates on a program that provides free transportation for college students, whose colleges pay an annual fee to participate.

Of 169 U.S. transit agencies that participated in a 2012 APTA survey, only five cities will have higher base fares for buses than the Utah Transit Authority's $2.50 fare.

Report finds 10.5 billion trips, the second highest ridership since 1957, equals 154 million more trips than the previous year.

Savings are based on the cost of commuting by public transportation, compared to the cost of owning and driving a vehicle, which includes the July 24 average national gas price ($3.48 per gallon- reported by AAA) and the national unreserved monthly parking rate.

This is the first time that the World Congress on High-Speed Rail has come to the U.S. About 1,000 attendees from 37 countries are expected to attend.

Association’s report says that the net benefits will extend over the next 40 years, as the population grows by more than 100 million people, according to the U.S. Census.

Report numbers show a substantial increase over this time last year, as gas prices have risen nearly $.86 a gallon.

From engaging employees to design and international innovations, the conference provided attendees with several options to make their operations greener.

Michael Melaniphy serves as VP, Public Sector for Motor Coach Industries. Prior to that, he worked at First Group and its predecessor companies, serving as GM for public transit systems in Charlotte, N.C.; Wichita, Kan.; and Hamilton, Ohio.