Click on the headlines below for stories of the latest trends, news, and innovations in transportation and sustainable development from around the nation and around the world.

Washington trying to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
Gov. Christine Gregoire of Washington in March signed in new legislation. The legislation is aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emission by cutting down on vehicle miles traveled (VMT). With the passing of this legislation, it is also aiming to promote “green collar” jobs that provide new training and incentives.

Senate Trying to Fix Infrastructure
A bill is being proposed by Senators Christopher Dodd (D- CT) and Chuck Hagel (R-NB) to establish a new, independent, public National Infrastructure Bank. The bank would evaluate and finance improvements to the nation’s infrastructure and have the ability to leverage private capital for supplement to public funding.

It Pays to Take the Train
A recent study has shown that in some cities like Houston, TX, Detroit, MI and Kansas City, MO people are spending as much as 20 percent of their yearly income on their commutes. This is in comparison with cities that have large transit systems, where 4 of the 5 cheapest commutes are considered to have large or extensive rail systems.

More Efficient Buses in New York City
According to a report released by the government the newer hybrid-powered buses being used in New York City are costing 40 percent less to maintain and 24 percent less to operate then earlier-generation hybrids. The study was conducted for a year, going from February 2006 to January 2007.

Romance on the Train
A couple who first met while riding the train together decided to buy the seats on the train that they both sat in when they met for the first time.

Just Another Reason to Start Walking
Scientists from America and Canada have developed an invention that would give another benefit to walking. The invention is a knee brace that can actually generate usable electricity.

Kids and Adults Putting a New Spin on the Typical Bicycle
Amazing, creative “bicycles” and bicycle related gadgets from around the world.

Rail Operations Around Southeast Gaining Steam from Success
In Charlotte, NC the opening of a new rail system has led to great success that has even surpassed the expectations of the operators of the new rail system. With the success of this new rail system it could lead many towns and cities in Virginia to follow suit.

United States CAN Support Widespread Rail System
Many would argue that the United States cannot support a widespread rail system. Amtrak could not handle the load and the U.S lacks the human density that would make the rail system sensible. With a nation of over 300 million people and growing, however, Arthur Frommer shows that there is a way.

The Rising of the Urban Biker
Because of rising gas prices and worries about global warming, people have started using bicycles as transportation in big cities like San Francisco, New York, and even Los Angeles. It has led to a movement called the “Urban Biker” where bike and bike accessory manufacturers have had to revamp their merchandise to fit people who bike in the city and not just people who mountain bike or race.

Minnesota Improving City Transit over Cars
In Minneapolis City Officials have decided to give up tunnels for trains and instead have them running along the ground. This causes problems however for the cars and buses that travel the roads that the trains will now be occupying. The decision to move forward with this idea shows City and Met Council officials’ commitment to public transportation over the inconvenience of those who drive cars.

Canada to Invest in Public Transit
In Canada the Federal Budget decided to allocate $500 million to Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA). This allocation was to help CUTA in the maintenance and upkeep of the current systems along with transit expansion to help accommodate more riders.

Revamp in San Francisco on Transit System
City officials of San Francisco revealed plans to overhaul the local Municipal Railway Transit systems. As Mayor Gavin Newsom says of the new plan, “Without dramatic changes we will not see dramatic improvements.”

Bicycling in the Netherlands- A Great Way to Get Around
In studies done by the Netherlands Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, a bicycle is used for almost a quarter of all journeys for the entire country. All relevant information on the studies and experiences of the bikers can be found by following the link above.

Walking Has More Benefits Then Simple Transportation
Besides basic transportation, walking provides many benefits to people including saving money, improved health and fitness, and economic development to name a few. Yet current transportation planning techniques undervalue the benefits of walking. With increased public support, however, it is hopeful that this will change.

America Needs to Get Out of Our “Drive First” Attitudes
This local newspaper essay examines our transportation behavior and national transportation polices, making the following observations. In America today we have an addiction to oil because of our “drive first” attitude to transport ourselves to places. America needs to start looking at alternatives to driving. Not only will it reduce the country’s dependence on oil, but reduce the greenhouse gases that are produced, get people in better shape, and even get to know our neighbors better.

US Cities to Improve Crosswalk Safety
Cities across the United States are ramping up efforts to increase pedestrian safety at crosswalks. According to Federal data, a pedestrian is killed every 110 minutes and one is injured every nine minutes. Cities are experimenting with more active lighting systems to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians and even systems that can delay a green light if a pedestrian is still in harm's way.
USA Today, February 24, 2008

Biofuels Present Uncertain Benefits
Biofuels such as biodiesel and ethanol are renewable and burn much more cleanly than petroleum-based fuels. Proponents of biofuels point out that the plants from which the fuels are made may sequester as much or more carbon than the fuels give off when burned. But the increased use of biofuels raises serious concerns about land use and food supply—a huge amount of land must be cultivated to create just a small fraction of a nation's energy needs. Clearing new land and using fertilizer furthermore erode biofuels' claims of carbon neutrality. It seems that finding better fuels is a limited solution; we must find ways to use less.
CNN, February 25, 2007

Thunderhead Alliance Names Jeffrey Miller as New President
Today the Thunderhead Alliance announced that it has hired Jeffrey Miller, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. The Thunderhead Alliance is the North American coalition of state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations, with a membership of over 135 organizations from across the United States and Canada. Miller will begin work at the Thunderhead Alliance in April.
Thunderhead Alliance February 28, 2008

Video Features Pro-Bicycle Policies of Copenhagen
Watch this video to see the bicycle-friendly city of Copenhagen in action. City policies favor travel by bicycle, and the infrastructure reflects this priority.

Transportation Forum Highlights Benefits of Public Transportation
In a recent forum in Washington, D.C., the American Public Transportation Association emphasized the potential for public transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy. Attendees included congressional staff, environmental organizations, transportation associations, business members, advocates, and US federal agency officials. Follow the link for reports on the presentations.
American Public Transportation Association

Long-awaited Transportation Commission Report Released
The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission issued a report detailing recommendations for our transportation system. Lauded by some, lamented by others, the report calls for placing more emphasis on public transportation, investing more in metropolitan areas, and developing inter-city rail. The League of American Bicyclists criticises the lack of emphasis on non-motorized transportation, while the American Planning Association provides a straightforward summary.

No. Va. Streetcar Funding Approved
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority has voted to supply funding for a streetcar line from Pentagon City into Fairfax County.
Washington Post, January 14, 2008

Bogotá, Columbia, New Example for Multi Model-Transit
Bogotá's transit system, which now includes rapid-transit buses on dedicated lanes and impressive bicycle facilities, rivals Northern European systems and ought to be the envy of us Americans to the north. UPDATE: The city also has an enviable livable streets movement, which includes closing more than 70 miles of city streets to motorized traffic every Sunday and every holiday. Cyclists and pedestrians come out in the thousands. Video and description here.
StreetsBlog, Oct. 29, 2007 (Updated 01/30/08)

Research Report Identifies Keys to Bicycle Friendly- Development
Researchers from Rutgers University identify separate bicycling facilities, pro-bike policies, and beneficial land use policies as the keys to bicycle-friendly environments in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. Is the same environment possible here? Read on.
Transport Reviews, Vol. 28, 2008

WMATA Orders Record Number of Hybrid Buses
Washington, D.C., and other American cities have placed orders that will double the number of GM-Allision hybrid buses in use in the country. The buses will save up an estimated 2.4 million gallons of fuel a year.
Mass Transit Magazine

Portland, Ore., to Improve Bicycle Safety
Responding to recent cycling fatalities, Portland is repainting intersections to allow cyclists to stop in front of other vehicles, a feature common in European countries. The city is also retrofitting city trucks to limit blind spots and other potential problems especially hazardous to cyclists. Four percent of Portand workers commute by bike.
New York Times, January 10, 2008

Virginia Development Needs New Direction
Sprawling development and automobile dependence have dire consequences for Virginia, according to this report from the Southern Environmental Law Center. Aggressive roadbuilding contributes to the problem, leading to a "lack of transportation choices." The report suggests an integrated approach toward smarter growth, better transportation, and a cleaner environment.
Southern Environmental Law Center, December, 2007.

Clear the Streets
Donald Shoup, author of The High Cost of Free Parking, discusses how current parking policies increase congestion and pollution in this video from Streetsblog. Parking reform, including increased parking fees, are part of the solution. Nice video with stop-motion toy cars to demonstrate.
Streetsblog, December 31, 2007