Have a Question for Secretary LaHood? Ask It Here
Last spring, Ray LaHood's office approached Streetsblog seeking reader questions for the transportation secretary's monthly video blog series, On the Go With Ray LaHood. His aides have repeatedly told me that of all the blogs and organizations that got a similar shot, Streetsblog readers were the most engaged and asked the most insightful questions. LaHood wrote a guest post for Streetsblog to accompany the video of his answers.
April 30, 2012
FRA Guidance on Pedestrian Safety Still Misses the Real Problem
The Federal Railroad Administration doesn’t call people walking near railroad tracks “pedestrians.” It calls them “trespassers.”
April 30, 2012
Five Ex-Secretaries Map Out a Communications Strategy For Transportation
If 80 percent of the American people agree that federal infrastructure investment will create jobs, and two-thirds say better infrastructure is important, why is the call for a robust transportation bill being made in whispers? And why is Congress already two and a half years late in producing one?
April 24, 2012
Celebrate Earth Day the FTA Way, With a Map of Sustainable Transpo Projects
The Federal Transit Administration has launched a new website for Earth Day (this Sunday), showcasing the agency's efforts for livability and clean energy. It's all good Earth Day reading, but what stands out is this useful map of sustainable transportation projects.
April 20, 2012
Patent Troll Sues Transit Agencies For Releasing Real-Time Transit Info
Lloyd Dobbler, John Cusack’s generation-defining character in Say Anything, notably said, “I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career.”
April 16, 2012
House GOP Tries to Horse-Trade Senate Bill For Keystone Pipeline
In another desperate attempt to push forward their fossil fuel agenda, House Republicans have indicated that even though they've been incapable of passing a transportation bill, they're willing to go to conference committee and pass the Senate bill. All the Senate Democrats have to do in return is approve the Keystone XL pipeline.
April 13, 2012
HUD: Now’s the Time to Tell Congress Why Smart Planning Matters
I don’t know how many RSVPs a HUD conference call usually gets, but everyone seemed pretty floored that a stakeholder teleconference yesterday got upwards of 400. Officials said it was a testament to the popularity of HUD’s Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities and the grant programs it runs together with EPA and U.S. DOT.
April 3, 2012
Can a 100% Private Passenger Rail Line Turn a Profit?
Public-private partnerships have recently become a popular policy prescription for the prospect of reviving inter-city passenger rail.
March 27, 2012
Why Bicyclists Are Better Customers Than Drivers for Local Business
Do local and state officials tune out when you try to talk to them about bicycling? Are they unconvinced by arguments about public health, transportation options, or clean air? Do business leaders send you packing when you suggest building new bike lanes and bike parking, fearing that the loss of car parking will keep customers away?
March 26, 2012
To Change Your Community’s Streets, the Action Is in the Statehouse
Anxious about Congress messing up the federal transportation bill? There's a lot at stake in Washington, but consider this: 78 percent of transportation funds come from the state and local levels.
March 23, 2012