Transit research and industry news update : September 2009.

NHTSA · 2009 · ROSA P / United States. Federal Transit Administration

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Summary

This document is a periodic newsletter titled "Transit Research and Industry News Update: September 2009," published by the United States Federal Transit Administration (FTA). It serves as a comprehensive digest of ongoing research projects, federal policy initiatives, industry developments, and safety updates relevant to the public transportation sector. The publication aims to inform stakeholders about the status of FTA-sponsored research, the deployment of new technologies, and the impact of federal funding on transit infrastructure and operations. The content is organized into several thematic sections, including "Research in Progress," "Economic Recovery," "Energy & Climate Change," and "Federal Research Publications." Specific research projects highlighted include Phase 2 demonstrations of Travel Management Coordination Centers in Camden County, New Jersey, and Paducah, Kentucky, which utilize intelligent transportation systems to improve human service transportation. Other technical studies involve the pilot installation of Remote Infrared Audible Signage at Sound Transit to assist visually impaired passengers and energy efficiency improvements to the Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit system. The newsletter also details the FTA’s response to congressional requests regarding FY 2008 and 2009 research projects, providing transparency on funding history and expected deliverables. Significant attention is given to the economic and environmental impacts of federal stimulus. The Obama Administration allocated $100 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) program to 43 transit agencies. These grants supported projects such as MARTA’s solar panel installation, Rhode Island’s energy-efficient lighting upgrades, and the replacement of conventional buses with electric hybrids. Additionally, the newsletter summarizes findings from TRB Special Report 298, which indicates that compact development patterns can reduce vehicle miles traveled and associated greenhouse gas emissions. The update also covers industry news and safety initiatives. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood launched a summit on distracted driving and announced a new program to encourage women in transportation careers. Operational news includes the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s ban on employee cell phone use and the Chicago Transit Authority’s launch of an online vendor database for increased transparency. The document concludes with summaries of international scanning tours in Europe and Asia regarding research administration and infrastructure reinvestment, as well as updates on hybrid bus deployments and new safety newsletters for bus and rail transit.

Key finding

The Federal Transit Administration allocated $100 million in Economic Recovery Act funds to 43 transit agencies to support green transportation technologies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Methodology

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