Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

The research seeks to understand the effects of they agency's service restructuring on the transit agency and its performance as well as its impact on the community.

Draws upon empirical data from proprietary database of terrorist and serious criminal attacks against public surface transportation and from reviews of selected HSR systems, including onsite observations.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and other experts are featured in a set of seven videos from a day-long workshop on the future of high-speed and intercity passenger rail.

The researchers believe one of the reasons the U.S. continues to lack a firm HSR policy framework is that advocates have not developed a few key, compelling arguments that politicians can coalesce behind to push for HSR development.

Five mechanisms are evaluated in depth, including tax increment financing, special assessment districts, transit impact fees, joint developments and air rights. The report includes policy recommendations.

Between 2000-2010, metropolitan areas with more vibrant downtowns experienced less sprawl. San Francisco, Miami, and New York experienced sprawl rates of less than 1%, while Memphis, Tenn., Tucson, Ariz., and Phoenix had sprawl rates greater than 10%.

Assesses the overall employment, education, and training needs associated with building and operating the state's high-speed rail network.

The funds, which will be used for research, education and other projects that help improve public transit, are provided by the FTA and distributed through U.S. DOT's Research and Innovative Technology Administration.

Results suggest that more direct transit connections to dispersed employment centers, and easier transfers to access these destinations, will help increase transit use for both transit-dependent and choice riders.

Analysis reaffirms the importance of consensus among the business, elected and environmental communities, and the accompanying financial support. The updated study validated the difficulty of passing an initiative without well-funded, effective use of multimedia and experienced campaign consultants.