Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

An estimated $2.2 trillion investment is needed over the next five years just to get America's entire current infrastructure into "good condition" — an increase of 38 percent from five years ago.

While there are similarities, the U.S. DOT's operating administrations have different Buy America statutory provisions. The new website will provide access to each agency's Buy America provisions, requirements and waiver processes on one website.

Speakers from around the nation will lead interactive sessions on a number of key topics, including the extent and impact of distracted driving, current research, regulations and best practices.

The program will offer grants for both planning and construction and includes an $8 billion competitive grant program and a continuing $1 billion annual investment proposed in the President’s budget.

Session was an opportunity for state leaders to share their ideas with the Obama administration about the future of high-speed trains in America.

Spending plan announces recommendations by the FTA to invest $604.3 million in 10 new or expanding transit projects: five under the New Starts Program and five under the Small Starts Program.

A portion of the total project cost is being funded by FTA’s Small Starts program. Upon completion, the extension will include 18 new stations, seven new vehicles and capital improvements to accommodate streetcar operations.

The plan identifies two types of projects for funding. One would create new corridors for world-class high-speed rail like the kind found in Europe and Japan. Another would involve making train service along existing rail lines incrementally faster.

Agencies jointly funded a study by Reconnecting America's Center for Transit-Oriented Development (CTOD) in 2007 that showed that cost of living was dependent on the costs of housing and transportation combined.