To keep the nation’s transportation network functioning in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic, state departments of transportation across the country are engaging in broad array of operational efforts, from expanding overweight truck permits and keeping rest areas open to keeping infrastructure projects on track. [Above photo by the West Virginia DOT.] To help ensure […]
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Federal Coronavirus Rescue Bill Includes Transportation Funding
editor@aashto.org March 27, 2020 0 COMMENTSThe Senate passed the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act on March 25 by a vote of 96 to zero, which the House of Representatives then passed on March 27 by voice vote before heading to President Trump’s desk, who signed it that afternoon. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., noted in […]
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Coronavirus Tanking Economic Growth, Creating Infrastructure Finance Risks
editor@aashto.org March 27, 2020 0 COMMENTSA spate of reports indicates that the Coronavirus pandemic is slashing gross domestic growth rates worldwide, and where the United States is concerned, that’s increasing the financial risks associated with revenue-backed infrastructure projects such as airports, toll roads, and ports. [Above photo by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.] “The level of world GDP is […]
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USDOT Sec. Chao Praises Transit Workers, Truckers in Conference Calls
editor@aashto.org March 27, 2020 0 COMMENTSIn separate conference calls held March 25 and March 26 with transportation industry stakeholders, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao (seen above) praised the “tremendous resilience and heroic action” of transit workers, truck drivers, and trucking companies in the face of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. “Please pass along my sincere thanks to your […]
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The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials requested a 90-day comment period extension from the Federal Communications Commission in regards to its notice of proposed rulemaking, which seeks to reallocate significant portions of the 5.9 gigahertz (GHz) wireless communication spectrum due to the impact of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak. [Above photo of […]
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The Federal Railroad Administration plans to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking “in the near future” that seeks to measure the performance and service quality of intercity passenger train operations – defining Amtrak intercity passenger train on-time performance, and would set forth an average minimum on-time performance standard of 80 percent. [Above photo by the […]
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Lyft Reorients to Provide Free Rides, Distribute Essential Goods
editor@aashto.org March 27, 2020 0 COMMENTSTo help fill transportation gaps created by the Coronavirus, ride-hailing firm Lyft is coordinating with public health entities, local governments, nonprofits and community organizations to not only donate tens of thousands of essential travel rides to low-income seniors, doctors, and nurses – among others – but also helping deliver medical supplies and other goods during […]
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MIT Develops Training Simulation for Driverless Vehicles
editor@aashto.org March 27, 2020 0 COMMENTSThe Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a simulation system to train driverless vehicles how to navigate a host of “worse-case scenarios” before cruising down real streets. [Above graphic by MIT.] Called a Virtual Image Synthesis and Transformation for Autonomy or VISTA, the training program – developed in conjunction with the Toyota Research Institute – […]
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The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority – a division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation – made major adjustments to its service schedule on March 23 to accommodate the travel needs of “essential workers” such medical professionals and grocery store workers while at the same time coping with an overall decline in ridership. [Above photo by […]
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The Hawaii Department of Transportation along with other federal, state, and private sector agencies, solved a thorny logistical problem that began on March 22 when a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessel carrying 2,000 passengers developed propulsion issues and had to unexpectedly make port for repairs. [Above photo of the Norwegian Jewel via Wikipedia.] “Due to […]
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