Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

APTA’s president/CEO reflects on his first year at the helm, what it was like to meet President Obama and how MAP-21 will impact the industry.

It combines BAE’s highly efficient HybriDrive series propulsion system with advanced power electronics to drive and manage all vehicle accessory systems electrically; enable engine stop/start; anti-idling; and implement advanced EV modes for more efficient, cleaner and quieter operation.

The Seattle network of transit systems allows visitors to conveniently reach a variety of points of interest, from the iconic Space Needle at the Seattle Center to the world-renowned Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle to the EMP Museum, featuring the Experience Music Project, and the Pacific Science Center.

Hopes to offset impact of 12,000 new employees that would work at a planned high-rise campus site.

Bringing the “In Motion” program to five Seattle-area neighborhoods this summer to help residents increase their use of travel options, such as walking, cycling, riding the bus or water taxi, and sharing rides. People who pledge to drive less can earn rewards, including free ride tickets for King County Metro and Sound Transit, and items, discounts, and gift cards donated by local businesses.

The new website features an improved trip planner with interactive maps that provide more information about transit connections and the locations of stations, stops and parking. A “New Rider Guide" link provides easy access to basic information about Sound Transit services.

Forty-seven Safeway outlets around the Puget Sound region now allow customers to purchase E-purse value or transit passes on their previously issued ORCA cards. ORCA, One Regional Card for All, is the electronic fare system for seven transportation agencies in the Puget Sound region.

As GM of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District from 1999 through last month, Celia Kupersmith oversaw bridge operations and a bus transit system offering more than 58 local and inter-county routes, and the largest ferry system in California.

There are only two places in King County where seniors can go for discounted fare passes, while the disabled must report to Metro headquarters, because their passes require photographs and other computer equipment that's only available there.

The First Hill line will be the second modern streetcar line in Seattle following the Sound Lake Union Streetcar line, which opened December 2008.