To cope with increasing fuel costs and rides being provided outside the mandated area, the Midland-Odessa Urban Transit District is considering outsourcing part of its paratransit service. GM says increasing fares on a group that typically is on a fixed income wouldn't make up much difference in incurred costs.
Using its Coordinated Transportation Model, American Logistics Co. will provide Lancaster, Calif.-based Antelope Valley Transit Authority with $5 million in savings over the potential life of the contract compared to the agency's previous contract.
The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission approved The Vehicle Production Group's MV-1 motor vehicle for use as a New York City taxicab. Approval allows owners of the more than 13,000 taxis currently operating in the city to begin replacing their vehicles with the fully accessible MV‐1s.
The savings are based on the cost of commuting by public transportation compared to the Nov. 18, 2011 average national gas price ($3.38 per gallon- reported by AAA) and the national unreserved monthly parking rate.
The analyses funded by the Texas grant will examine future ridership and revenue forecasts, capital costs, environmental issues, and routing and station location options, among other important planning considerations.
The Conference Committee approved the bill by a vote of 38-1. The House passed the bill 298-121, while the Senate approved it with a vote of 70-30. The bill now heads to the President, who is expected to sign it, thereby completing work on the FY 2012 budget for the Department of Transportation.
The new MCI J4500s feature a new, smooth, wide-ride suspension, electronic stability control, fire suppression system, tire-pressure monitoring and the newest clean-diesel engine technology.