Category Archives: Transportation Headlines

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Transportation headlines, Friday, May 13

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Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

To the Angels game on a rail deal (L.A. Times)

Metrolink's Antelope Valley Line -- seen here at the Action station -- recently added an express train. Photo by SpokkerJones, via Flickr.

Columnist Chris Erskine writes a charming ode to day at the ballpark courtesy of the new Angels Express Metrolink service. Chris finds the $7 round-trip fare  quite the bargain, and the chance to have someone else doing the driving… priceless. As he puts it: “I suppose you could drive the 60-mile round trip on your own, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter with each passing furlong. Do you ever have those dreams where you’re braking in your sleep? I do.”

Our View: New train service great for commute (The Signal)

Here’s a second helping of good news about Metrolink’s recently improved service. A new express train from the Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita to Union Station in L.A. has The Signal singing praises and hopeful for a future where locals don’t have to squeeze their cars through the Newhall Pass every morning getting to work. A 50-minute Metrolink ride is a mighty tempting alternative and the Signal thinks it may be enough to restore faith in Metrolink as a viable alternative.

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Transportation headlines, Thursday, May 12

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Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

Amtrak faces congestion and criticism as it turns 40 (Washington Post)

Ridership is up, but the railroad still must often share its tracks with freight haulers and only one corridor — the Northeast — remains profitable. Many in Congress blast the subsidies the railroad needs while others say roads get government handouts, too, and that Amtrak would perform better if government would actually make some serious investments in it. Check out the accompanying photo gallery.

Washington, California and the curious case of the railroad to somewhere (Transport Politic)

Yonah Freemark says that despite the mounds of criticism, it makes sense to begin California’s high-speed rail project in the San Joaquin Valley. For one, it’s in between San Francisco and Los Angeles and thus a necessary part of the route. For another, it’s the part of the system where bullet trains will reach their highest speeds. Freemark also has issues with the report released this week by the California Legislative Analyst’s Office that found problems with the planning of the line.

In-N-Out comes to Texas (O.C. Register)

Texans go nuts as the first two stores of the burger chain open in the Lone Star State — along with the usual drive-through. I wonder if it will be like the drive-thru at stores here in the Golden State in which cars sit and idle and idle and idle and idle while waiting for those tasty burgers. I like In-N-Out, too, but do the respectable thing people and park the car and wait inside.

Transportation headlines, Wednesday, May 11

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Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

America’s biggest (and least) gas-guzzling cities (Forbes)

Using data from the Center for Neighborhood Technology (a think tank based in Chicago) Forbes has come up with a picture of how America consumes gasoline. You may be surprised to find out that despite our congestion and fabled car-culture, Los Angeles ranks near the bottom of the list. It’s second to last in fact, losing only to New York. Angelenos on average consume 680 gallons of gasoline per year. Compare that to North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill where residents on average burn through 1,074 gallons per year! FYI: at $4 a gallon that means the average Angeleno spends $2,720 on gasoline alone.

Streetcar could ride farther north, south (L.A. Downtown News)

The current downtown L.A. streetcar route envisioned by non-profit L.A. Streetcar Inc. is hardly set in stone. Next week the public will be welcomed to share their own route ideas and suggestions at a scoping meeting hosted by Metro on May 17. Metro is in charge of the project’s environmental analysis – an essential step in receiving federal funding, which will be necessary to build the project. As for the route, Metro officials say that everything will be examined thoroughly — and one big factor will be where a maintenance facility can be located.

Expo rail builders listen to Santa Monica at design kick off (The Lookout)

The Lookout offers a review of the latest Expo Line Phase II meeting in Santa Monica. Typical worries about traffic and construction impacts surfaced but overall the vibe was one of excitement. One point of contention, even among long-time Expo rail boosters, is the proposed design of the 26th Street Station. Specifically, how the station interfaces with nearby Bergamot Arts Center. Despite being adjacent to the station, the Art Center’s 800,000 yearly guests would face a longer walk due to the design of the station. The construction contractor noted that any design change would cost millions.

What history tells us about high-speed rail (Gilroy Patch)

This is an interesting and controversial interview with Stanford University historian Richard White, who feels that high-speed rail investment is mirroring transcontinental railroad investment in the 19th century. White’s upcoming book is about how the transcontinental was a fiasco, so his viewpoint isn’t quite as rosy as the one shared by high-speed rail proponents. His main problem with high-speed rail in California is the lack of mass transit (or more importantly, mass transit usage) at the destinations – something he thinks will doom ridership.

Transportation headlines, Tuesday, May 10

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Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

Ray LaHood: A driving force in White House (Politico)

In this profile of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, the thesis is that LaHood’s high profile — atypical for cabinet secretaries — suggests that he must be doing something right. The article notes that LaHood has been a vocal champion of safety, whether he’s working to eliminate sleepy air traffic controllers or distracted driving. Going forward, LaHood — a Republican in a Democratic administration — will likely be a point-person on President Obama’s national high-speed rail initiative, which seeks to invest over $50 billion to bring the country’s rail network up to international standards.

Getting in gear on bikes (Los Angeles Business Journal)

In this op-ed, writer Richard Risemberg takes a moment to set the record straight on bicycling, having seen some misconceptions proliferate in the wake of the recent rise in cycling. Among them, he notes that bicyclists do indeed contribute to the upkeep of roads, because user fees — gas taxes, registration fees, etc. — cover only about half the cost of all roads, with the rest coming from general taxes. Not to mention that bikes cause much less wear and tear on streets. Additionally, bike infrastructure can be a very cost-effective: Portland built out its entire network of bike lanes, paths and parking for less than the cost of one mile of urban freeway.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer wants better tax benefits for bike, transit commuters (Grist)

Presently, federal tax breaks help commuters who drive and take transit to work, but do so at different levels. And bicyclists are mostly left in the lurch. Rep. Blumenauer (D-Ore.) is introducing legislation that would level the playing field for transit riders and give a boost to bike commuters. Grist’s Sarah Goodyear has the details:

Specifically, the bill would equalize the parking and transit benefits at $200 per month; let people claim benefits for more than one mode of transportation; and allow employees the option to take cash instead of an employer’s parking benefit, “reducing the incentive to drive instead of take alternative transportation.” It would also increase the current bike benefit (which Blumenauer got passed back in 2009) from $20 to $40 per month.

Transportation headlines, Monday, May 9

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Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

Metrolink express service saves time and money (San Bernardino Sun)

The commuter rail agency today began express service to downtown L.A. on its Antelope Valley and San Bernardino lines. The Sun praises the express train that will whisk commuters from San Bernardino to Union Station in 60 minutes — 30 minutes less than the regular time (the Antelope Valley express also shaves 30 minutes off the ride). Not only does express service reward regular Metrolink riders with a huge savings in commuting time, but the Sun editorial argues that it makes the train more competitive with driving and will help save motorists a lot of gas they are burning in stop-and-start traffic on the 10 freeway. Here are the weekday Metrolink schedules for the Antelope Valley Line and for the San Bernardino Line.

Metro plans security upgrades (L.A. Times)

In the wake of the death of the terrorist Osama bin Laden and word that Al Qaeda was discussing some type of unspecified attack on a rail line in the U.S., the Times reviews some of the security upgrades that Metro already had in the works. Among those are improved communications systems and a chemical detection system. Probably the most interesting part of the story is a quote from one “expert” saying that terrorists could perhaps focus more on trains now that security has been tightened on airlines. The same source, however, acknowledges that part of the allure of rail is that passengers don’t have to deal with the security hassles experienced at airports.

Want to add to congestion? Then it’s going to cost you (New York Times)

The article takes a look at San Francisco’s foray into the world of dynamic pricing and parking. The idea, in short, is to raise and lower the price of parking meters according to demand and to try to ensure there’s less demand when there is the most congestion. When pricey, more spaces should be open, motorists will have to circle less looking for a spot and they’ll have smartphones telling them where the open spaces are. Will it work? Tolls on the Bay Bridge were raised $2 during peak hours last year and there has been a corresponding slight drop in traffic and the time it takes to drive between Berkeley and San Francisco. Attentive readers know the ExpressLanes congestion pricing project — which, like San Francisco’s parking program, is funded by the feds — is in the works.

Transportation headlines, Friday, May 6

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Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

Al Qaeda sought to target U.S. train network (Wall Street Journal)

The story — which is getting widespread play — is based on materials seized in Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad. Here’s an excerpt that pretty much sums it up:

In an “intelligence message,” the Department of Homeland Security alerted law-enforcement officials that initial analysis of evidence seized from bin Laden’s compound shows al Qaeda hoped to attack trains in the U.S., possibly on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

According to the DHS bulletin, the terror group in early 2010 envisioned sabotaging a railway to cause a wreck. DHS said it isn’t clear if there has been any further planning since February 2010. The department didn’t offer details on the location or type of train, because the original information was vague, officials said.

As we posted earlier this week, security has been beefed up on the Metro system in the wake of bin Laden’s death and law enforcement officials are encouraging the public to be vigilant and “say something if they see something.”

Mayors focus on city designs amid budget shortfalls (NPR)

In this feature called “Tell Me More,” NPR’s Michel Martin talks to Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa about getting cities back on track after several years of recession. The conversation covers a lot of ground — from balancing budgets to urban design — but the 30/10 initiative gets a prominent mention. Villaraigosa touts the sustainability and job-creating benefits of the program.

Streetsblog’s Bike Month 2011 Mega-Page (LA Streetsblog)

Streetsblog has put together a one-stop shop for all your bike week information needs. From Malibu to Pasadena to Long Beach — and everywhere in between — there are events for everyone, whether your a seasoned rider, a first-time learner or just looking to dust off the old 10-speed. Metro will be partnering with a number of groups around the city to put on events, including Tuesday’s Blessing of the Bicycles and Wednesday’s Downtown Bike Ride. You can find the full details on Metro’s download-able posters in Spanish and English.

 

Transportation headlines, Thursday, May 5

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Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

Are Metrolink stations in the middle of nowhere? (More than Red Cars)

A fascinating post tackles the question whether stations for commuter rail are too far from other amenities or housing so that people don’t have to drive to get to the train. The blog analyzed the stations through Walk Score — the website that rates a place’s so-called “walkability” — and found that system-wide, Metrolink stations rate “somewhat walkable.” Fourteen stations rated as “car dependent” and four rated as being in a “walker’s paradise,” with Claremont’s station almost getting a perfect score.

Casting oil upon the waters: the House’s drilling bills (NRDC Switchboard blog)

The headline should provide a hint to where the NRDC stands on the three drilling bills before the House of Representatives this week. The environmental group argues that the bills, in sum, would expand drilling to virtually all American waters and would make regulations more lax than they were before the Deepwater Horizon exploded and then spewed oil into the Gulf of Mexico for months last year. “Under these bills, the U.S. would truly be acting like an addict, willing to sell out any principle, dispense with any caution, endanger any asset to get its next fix. Again, these bills ought to be seen as irresponsible even by supporters of increased drilling,” writes the NRDC’s David Goldston.

Volt owners get 1,000 miles between fill-ups (General Motors press release)

This is the car’s manufacturer talking, so that’s the obvious caveat. The key to the statistic is that the Volt can be recharged via electricity and run 25 to 50 miles per charge — meaning on a lot of trips, owners never have to use the vehicle’s gas engine. Owners also tell GM that they visit the gas station once a month, which can’t be good news to the big oil firms — if, indeed, the Volt is the wave of the future.


Transportation headlines, Wednesday, May 4

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Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

Pain from increased gas prices is mostly mental (Marketplace)

Here’s a feel-good story for those unhappy about rising gas prices. Marketplace says it’s all in your mind. The omnipresence of gasoline station signs advertising their prices make any increase something that’s unmissable and unforgettable. Marketplace did the math and figured that when gas goes up a dollar it’s “only” an extra $10 to $15 per tank. Or, as one person they interviewed put it, “two days of lunch.” Personally, I’m going to stick with riding Metro and eating lunch daily.

Bullet train study contemplates tackling Grapevine route (Bakersfield Californian)

Looking south toward the 5 freeway's ascent up the Grapevine. Photo by biofriendly, via Flickr.

The state agency charged with building high-speed rail is studying whether it may make more sense to connect the Los Angeles area and the San Joaquin Valley by running trains along the 5 freeway, including the steep Grapevine section north of Frazier Park. It’s only a study and so far there remains strong support for a route that would instead take the train through the Antelope Valley. It’s certainly hard to imagine any train handling an ascent or descent as steep as the Grapevine, but apparently it is possible. A Grapevine route would also be cheaper and cut a few minutes off the trip.

Feeding the city [with food truck parking lots] (Pattern Cities)

Can populating a city’s surface parking lots with food trucks make the urban fabric more cohesive? Pattern Cities thinks so and looks at examples in Portland and Austin. L.A. is arguably the home of the food truck, and I love it when our typically soulless downtown parking lots become markets of food truck flavors on given days. That being said, one Tweeter makes an excellent (sarcastic) point, “@rfassett yeah, food trucks must be great for the environment!”

Transportation headlines, Tuesday, May 3

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Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

Happy 72nd birthday Union Station and 40th birthday Amtrak (Primary Resources and USDOT Fast Lane Blog)

There are two big transportation birthdays to celebrate this week! On May 2, 1939 large crowds gathered around Union Station to witness the unveiling of Los Angeles’ gateway to the rest of the country. Metro’s Primary Resource’s blog traces the station’s history — from drawing board concept to regional multi-modal hub — and has some interesting historical photos.

And it was 40 years ago yesterday that Amtrak took over the bulk of intercity passenger rail service in the United States. US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has a tribute at his agency’s blog. LaHood notes that 2010 was a record year for the agency — 2011 is looking good too — with 29 million trips taken from 500 stations across the country.

Chart: Even more proof we can’t drill our way to lower gas prices (GOOD)

GOOD Magazine takes a minute to debunk a claim that the United States could lower gas prices at home by increasing domestic oil drilling. Writer Ben Jervey notes that the prices of gasoline in Canada very closely parallels the prices of gas in the U.S., despite the fact that Canada is a net exporter of oil and the U.S. is a large importer of oil. The point? The price of oil is set on the international marketplace and increasing supplies in the U.S. would only make a tiny dent in gas prices here.

High-speed rail: Two-track alternative picks up steam in the Bay Area (San Jose Mercury News)

In a move that could trim $4 billion in costs and possibly allay concerns of some San Francisco Peninsula residents, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is studying whether to have bullet trains share tracks with commuter rail between San Jose and San Francisco. The Authority originally wanted to build two new tracks next to the current Caltrain tracks — which would mean tearing down some homes and extra expenses — but may settle for the two-track option and having slower and less frequent high-speed trains. One potential hitch is that the state bond measure, Proposition 1A, requires some high-speed trains to make the LA-SF trip in as little as 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Transportation headlines, Monday, May 2

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Here is a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by us and the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

Despite a rough road for transit, there are positive signs (Boston Globe)

In an interview, William Millar — the chief of the American Public Transportation Assn. — says that ridership suffered in the past two years as a result of a dismal economy, high unemployment, declining revenues and service cuts. He also defends transit as something worthy of government subsidies:

The same critics don’t usually say, “Well, the local street network ought to pay for itself, the police department ought to pay for itself, the schools out to pay for themselves.’’ Public transportation is a public service. Yes, it has a direct benefit to users, and that’s part of why fares are charged, but the benefits of people using public transit accrue to the entire society whether you ever use it or not.

More headlines are after the jump.

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