Safety Technologies - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Safety is at the heart of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) mission. Working together with the trucking industry, FMCSA envisions a future of smart technologies that support the expanding role of the trucking industry to safety, security, and efficiently transport the nation's goods and products.

FMCSA has developed a series of product guides to assist carriersri, dvers, fleet managers, and other interested individuals to learn more about available safety and security systems.


Decision Factors for Technology Choices

The following decision factors are critical for making, using, and buying technologies in the commercial motor vehicle industry;
  • Return on Investment for the Purchaser: Sustains commercial success of technologies purchased and used by carriers.
  • Initial Cost: Affects early deployment, since a high initial purchase cost makes it difficult for a carrier to raise the needed capital to buy technologies.
  • Demonstrated Effectiveness to Improve Safety, Security, and Efficiency of Operations: Represents the major benefits that offset the costs of technologies.
  • System Reliability and Maintainability: Provides the results and usability of technologies for carriers and manufacturers (original equipment manufacturers and vendors).
  • Driver Acceptance: Ensures that drivers are receptive to technologies that are user-friendly and effective in improving safety and security.
  • Market Image: Involves using state-of-the-art technologies to improve a carrier's image by designating a company as progressive and concerned about the safety and security of their drivers and loads.
  • Market Demand: Depends on awareness of the technology along with acceptance and belief in its value, which is particularly important to manufacturers introducing a new product.
  • In-cab Technology Interface Integration: Minimizes cost, distraction, and human errors while using the technology.
  • Investment Required for Research and Development of New Technology: Includes concerns of original equipment manufacturers and vendors about the risks inherent with new developments.
  • Liability: Influences carriers, drivers, and manufacturers, particularly relating to the data stored by certain technologies and its use.
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    U.S. Department of Transportation Releases New Action Plan to Address Motorcoach Safety Issues

    The U.S. Department of Transportation today released its Motorcoach Safety Action Plan which lays out concrete steps for improving motorcoach safety across the board. The action plan addresses major safety issues such as driver fatigue and inattention, vehicle rollover, occupant ejections and oversight of unsafe carriers.


    We are committed to making sure that bus travelers reach their destinations safely,said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.These improvements will not only help reduce the number of motorcoach crashes, it will also help save lives and reduce injuries.

    While motorcoach travel is a very safe mode of highway transportation in the United States, carrying 750 million passengers annually, an average of 19 motorcoach occupants are killed in crashes each year according to data collected by DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additional fatalities result among pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles involved in these crashes.

    To address this issue, Secretary LaHood directed DOT's agencies to take a fresh look at motorcoach safety issues, identify actions to address outstanding safety problems, and develop an aggressive schedule to implement those actions.The comprehensive action plan announced today proposes enhanced regulatory oversight of new and high risk motorcoach operators, as well as the increased use of new technologies.

    To address driver distraction, it proposes to initiate rulemaking to prohibit texting and limit the use of cellular telephones and other devices by motorcoach drivers. It also discusses requiring electronic on-board recording devices on all motorcoaches to better monitor drivers' duty hours to address fatigue, and enhanced oversight of unsafe carriers.

    In addition, the action plan proposes to better protect motorcoach occupants by requiring the installation of seat belts and discusses additional measures such as the establishment of performance requirements for enhanced roof strength, fire safety, and emergency egress. It also calls for safety improvements using technologies such as electronic stability control to prevent rollovers.
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    DOT Press Release

    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION JOIN FORCES TO COMBAT DISTRACTED DRIVING

    Washington DC – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced Wednesday that they are launching a joint effort to evaluate technologies that may help curb the dangerous epidemic of distracted driving.The DOT-FCC partnership will also include outreach efforts to educate the public about the dangers of texting while driving, talking on cell phones while driving, and other distracting behavior that can lead to deadly accidents.

    We must put an end to distracted driving, which is costing lives and inflicting injuries across the nation's roads and railways, Secretary LaHood told the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. I look forward to working with Chairman Genachowski and ensuring that FCC's and DOT's technology experts can join forces on this critical issue.Chairman Genachowski said, I welcome this collaborative effort to eliminate the increasingly deadly practice of distracted driving.

    Changing this ingrained behavior will require us to develop creative solutions using both technology and education. By combining the resources and expertise of the DOT and the FCC, I am confident that we can have a major impact on this problem.

    Officials from the DOT and FCC will establish a working group to evaluate technology-based solutions to the problem of distracted driving and will coordinate consumer outreach and education.
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    Montgomery County, Maryland’s Traffic Computer System Fails

    Humming along with technology, until it's not Computer meltdown creates traffic-light chaos in Montgomery

    In the backdrop of so much of 21st-century life, computers are an unseen hand that guides the day in ways we rarely know about. Until they crash. Wednesday provided one such rude awakening for commuters in Montgomery County.

    A computer meltdown disrupted the choreography of 750 traffic lights, turning the morning and evening commutes into endless seas of red brake lights causing thousands of drivers to arrive at work grumpy and late, and getting them home more frustrated and even later.Montgomery County officials said they will offer free bus rides all day Thursday, a decision made Wednesday night, even as county technicians worked feverishly to resurrect the faulty machine in time for the morning rush.

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    Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to vote on Dulles Toll Road toll increase

    The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority will take a final vote on Wednesday on toll hikes for the Dulles Toll Road.Revenue from the 14-mile road will help pay for over half of the $5.25 billion expansion project of Metro to Dulles that will connect West Falls Church in Fairfax County to Route 772 in Loudoun County by 2016.
    Tolls are currently 75 cents in the main lanes and 50 cents at the ramps.The toll hike, which has been approved by two committees already, is expected to be approved by the board of directors.
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    City installs 'sharrows' as part of cycling, driving experiment

    Anyone driving, walking or cycling down Guadalupe between MLK and 4th Street Monday may have seen them being installed and wondered what they were.City employees from the Austin Public Works Department spent the better part of Monday installing 13, 3x2-foot symbols of a man on a bicycle into traffic lanes called sharrows.
    The lanes are to be shared between cars and cyclists, but neither the city of Austin nor the University of Texas Center for Transportation Research will go into the details of how they're supposed to work because the sharrows are part of a nationwide experiment.The U.S. Department of Transportation chose Austin as one of six cities across the country to try out the sharrows to see if drivers and cyclists can figure out on their own how they work. The City of Austin and UT have installed cameras in strategic areas around the sharrows to collect video to be shared with the federal government to see whether or not the sharrows are working.
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    Transportation Research Board Staff Directory

    Staff members can be contacted via mail using the following mailing address:
    The National Academies
    500 Fifth Street, NW
    Washington, DC 20001
    Click a person's name to send an email.

    NamePositionPhone
    Adcock, Melanie Senior Program Assistant202-334-2259
    Allen, Rosa P.Administrative Coordinator202-334-2935
    Anderson, Kizzy E.Senior Program Assistant202-334-2944
    Andrle, Stephen J.Chief Program Officer/Capacity202-334-2810
    Awan, Javy Director, Publications; Editor, TR News202-334-2987
    Bailey, Anthony T.Senior Accounting/Financial Assistant202-334-1456
    Baker, Cynthia M.Executive Assistant202-334-2936
    Barber, Phyllis D.Publishing Administrator; Copyright Permissions202-334-2972
    Barnes, Natalie L.Editor, Cooperative Research Programs202-334-2304
    Barnes, Tiana M.Senior Program Assistant202-334-2528
    Beal, Glenda J.Editor-at-Large, Publicatins Office202-334-2048
    Berlin, Harvey Senior Program Officer202-334-2441
    Blackwell, Adrienne C.Administrative Coordinator202-334-3237
    Brach, Ann M.Deputy Director, SHRP 2202-334-2242
    Brown-Snell, Joseph J.Program Associate202-334-3502
    Bryant, James W.Senior Program Officer202-334-2087
    Butler, Cynthia E.Administrative Assistant202-334-1897
    Cambridge, Joedy W.Marine and Intermodal Specialist202-334-2167
    Campbell, Kenneth L.Chief Program Officer/Safety202-536-5187
    Campbell, Stephanie L.Program Assistant202-334-3251
    Chafee, Ellen M.Editor, Cooperative Research Programs202-334-3262
    Chamberlain, Megan Senior Program Assistant202-334-3251
    Chisholm Smith, Gwen Senior Program Officer202-334-3246
    Choudhry, Nancy D.Abstractor/Indexer202-334-3253
    Cole, Joanice L.Senior Program Assistant202-334-2287
    Coleman, Jo Ann Senior Program Assistant202-334-3176
    Covert, Tameka S.Accounting/Financial Assistant202-334-1721
    Crawford, Maria S.Assistant Editor, Cooperative Research Programs202-334-1249
    Cunard, Richard A.Engineer of Traffic and Operations202-334-2965
    Cusicanqui, Eduardo N.Accounting/Financial Assistant202-334-2836
    Davies, Pliney E. M.Report Review Associate202-334-3708
    deBruijn, Paul D.Production and Graphics Coordinator, Publications Office202-334-2980
    DeCarmine, Michael A.Senior Program Associate202-334-2952
    Dekelbab, Waseem Senior Program Officer202-334-1409
    Delaney, Eileen P.Director, Publications, Cooperative Research Programs202-334-3248
    Derr, B. RaySenior Program Officer202-334-3231
    Diewald, Walter J.Senior Program Officer202-334-3260
    DiMaggio, Jerry A.Senior Program Officer202-334-2109
    English, C. DouglasEditor, Cooperative Research Programs202-334-3937
    Fay, Charles R.Senior Program Officer202-334-1817
    Fisher, Kimberly M.Associate Director, Technical Activities Division202-334-2968
    Fomalont, Jessica Librarian202-334-2989
    Freer, Hilary M.Senior Editor, Cooperative Research Programs202-334-1473
    Gerencher, Christine L.Senior Program Officer202-334-2970
    Gillum, Reginald Customer Service and Marketing Associate202-334-2382
    Godwin, Stephen R.Director, Studies and Special Programs202-334-3261
    Goldstein, Lawrence D.Senior Program Officer202-334-1866
    Greaver-Stevens, Sharon Financial and Administrative Associate202-334-1345
    Green, Dionna D.Web Analyst202-334-2866
    Green, Juanita Production Manager, Publications Office202-334-2977
    Greenberger, Marci A.Senior Program Officer202-334-1371
    Greene, Gary T.Programmer/Analyst202-334-3173
    Greenwood, Emily R.Senior Program Assistant202-334-2391
    Grim, Eric A.Senior Programmer Analyst202-334-3001
    Hagood, Margaret B.Editor, Cooperative Research Programs202-334-1764
    Hanna, Amir N.Senior Program Officer202-334-1432
    Hansell-Price, Norma Acquisition Assistant - Information Services202-334-3250
    Harrigan, Edward T.Senior Program Officer202-334-3232
    Hawks, Neil F.Director, SHRP 2202-334-1426
    Hedges, Christopher J.Senior Program Officer202-334-1472
    Hejl, Frederick D.Associate Director, Technical Activities Division202-334-2952
    Henson, James W.Financial and Administrative Officer202-334-3039
    Hessian, Ralph Visiting Professional202-334-1330
    Hessian, Ralph Visiting Professional902-424-4268
    Holland, Frances E.Administrative Assistant202-334-2332
    Houston, Russell W.Senior Communications Officer202-334-3252
    Huey, Beverly A.Senior Program Officer410-961-0711
    Humphrey, Nancy P.Senior Program Officer202-334-2948
    Hyman, William AlanSenior Program Officer202-334-1914
    Irvin, Deborah Program Associate202-334-3310
    Isenhour, Jeff C.Manager, Information Technology202-334-3229
    Jawed, Inam Senior Program Officer202-334-1461
    Jayaprakash, G. P.Engineer of Soils, Geology, and Foundations202-334-2952
    Jencks, Crawford F.Deputy Director, Cooperative Research Programs202-334-2379
    Jenks, Christopher W.Director, Cooperative Research Programs202-334-3089
    Johnson, Angela S.Meeting Assistant202-334-1674
    Johnson, Cydni Customer Service Representative202-334-2937
    Jordan, Kelvin R.Senior Membership Assistant202-334-3216
    Karson, Linda M.Director of Meetings202-334-2362
    Keith, Cheryl Y.Senior Program Assistant202-334-3242
    King, Elaine Rail Transport Specialist202-334-3208
    Kirkland, Rachel J.Senior Program Assistant202-334-1892
    Kisiner, Andrea Manager, Publication Sales and Affiliate Services202-334-3214
    Kissi, Mary O.Senior Program Associate202-334-3205
    LaPlante, Michael P.Director, Finance and Business Operations202-334-3215
    Le, Thu M.Senior Program Assistant202-334-3234
    Lemer, Andrew C.Senior Program Officer202-334-3972
    Linzau, Natassja OlsenWeb Graphics Designer202-635-0410
    Lisle, Frank N.Engineer of Maintenance202-334-2950
    Maher, Stephen F.Engineer of Design202-334-2955
    Marflak, Lisa BerardiProgram Officer, Electronic Dissemination202-334-3134
    Mason, Linda S.Communications Officer202-334-3241
    Mathis, Amelia B.Administrative Assistant202-334-3255
    McDaniel, G. RaymondSenior Financial Assistant202-334-2549
    McDaniel, James B.Counsel for Legal Research Projects202-334-3209
    Menzies, Thomas R.Senior Program Officer202-334-1837
    Mesler, Roy N.Information Technology Specialist202-334-2379
    Micozzi, Martine A.Management and Policy Specialist202-334-3177
    Millar, Bruce A.Conference Manager202-334-2824
    Miller, Julie A.Conference and Exhibit Manager202-334-2362
    Miller, Matthew A.Senior Program Associate202-334-2608
    Miller, Michael A.Senior Program Assistant202-334-2311
    Moore, Sheila A.Program Associate202-334-2886
    Morgan, Freda R.Senior Program Associate202-334-2965
    Morin, Shirley A.TRIS Database Administrator202-334-2947
    Morris, Joseph R.Senior Program Officer202-334-3109
    Mullins, Erin Meeting Assistant202-334-3504
    Navarrete, Joseph D.Senior Program Officer202-334-1649
    Niessner, Charles W.Senior Program Officer202-334-1431
    Norman, Mark R.Director, Technical Activities202-334-2935
    Obeng, Kwame A.Senior Accounting/Financial Assistant202-334-3123
    Pain, Richard F.Transportation Safety Coordinator202-334-2964
    Palmerlee, Thomas M.Associate Director, Technical Activities Division202-334-2907
    Parker, Stephan A.Senior Program Officer202-334-2554
    Pepitone, Stacy A.Meeting Coordinator202-334-1232
    Petty, Ann E.Managing Editor, TR Record202-334-2976
    Pickett, Melissa N.Financial and Contract Officer202-334-3348
    Plazak, David J.Senior Program Officer202-334-1834
    Post, Barbara L.Manager, Information Services202-334-2990
    Powell, Danna M.Senior Program Assistant202-334-3238
    Raab, A. RobertSenior Program Officer202-334-2569
    Reid, A. ReginaSenior Editorial Assistant - Proofreader, Publications Office202-334-2727
    Reynaud, David A.Senior Program Officer202-334-1695
    Rice, Lea M.Assistant Editor, Publications Office202-334-2986
    Richardson, Jewelene Director, Committee Appointments and Human Resources202-334-2958
    Rogers, William C.Senior Program Officer202-334-1621
    Salamone, Michael R.Manager, ACRP202-334-1268
    Schatz, Theresia H.Senior Program Officer202-334-2981
    Schneider, Suzanne B.Associate Executive Director202-334-2959
    Schwager, Dianne S.Senior Program Officer202-334-2969
    Schwartz, Brie Web and Software Specialist202-334-3015
    Shaw, Peter L.Public Transportation Specialist202-334-2983
    Skinner, Robert E.Executive Director202-334-2936
    Solomon, Norman Senior Editor, Publications Office202-334-2979
    Somerset, Daniel R. B.Financial Associate202-334-2379
    Srinivasan, Nanda Senior Program Officer202-334-1896
    Staba, Gail R.Synthesis Program Consultant202-232-5658
    Starnes, Monica A.Senior Program Officer202-334-1894
    Stevenson-Fenwick, Noreen D.Senior Program Assistant202-334-1488
    Summersgill, Robert J.Committee Appointments and Database Manager202-334-2954
    Sundstrom, Lori L.Senior Program Officer202-334-3034
    Talley, Chrystyne M.Financial Officer202-334-2147
    Taylor, Charles Rail-IDEA Program Consultant202-334-2065
    Thomas, Charlotte Senior Program Assistant202-334-2247
    Tippman, Don C.Editor, Synthesis Studies202-334-2298
    Trackman, Dean A.Managing Editor, SHRP2202-334-3908
    Turman, Nikisha J.Senior Program Assistant202-334-2373
    Van Boven, Tom Senior Program Assistant202-334-3129
    van Saan, Hans Visiting Professional202-334-2680
    Vlasak, Donna L.Senior Program Officer202-334-2974
    Weeks, Jennifer J.Editorial Services Specialist, Publications Office202-334-2984
    Williams, Demisha Senior Program Assistant202-334-3834
    Williams, Jon M.Program Director for IDEA and Synthesis Studies202-334-3245
    Williams, Lyndsey AnnSenior Program Associate202-334-3119
    Williams, Patricia A.Administrative Assistant202-334-3508
    Wilson, Jill Senior Program Officer202-334-3817
    Woldu, Connie K.Administrative Coordinator202-334-1430
    Woltman, Laurence CharlesSenior Programmer/Analyst202-334-2315
    Wu, Jessica R.Supervisor, Publications and Subscription Sales202-334-3072
    Yates, James W.Library Information Clerk/Office Assistant202-334-3672
    Zelinski, Patrick B.Communications Specialist202-334-1916
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    Auto sales bounce back-Chrysler's big uphill climb

    Experts question whether Fiat's rescue plan for Chrysler will provide needed help quickly enough to save the company.

    NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Fiat Group will soon unveil its plans to help get the struggling Chrysler Group back on track. But the question that won't be answered is whether these changes will come in time to save the company.
    The Chrysler Sebring, one of the car models that could be phased out under Chrysler's new turnaround plan.
    The Italian automaker, which now owns a controlling minority stake in Chrysler, is expected to announce Wednesday which Fiat models it intends to make available in the U.S. It also will disclose which Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicles will be phased out.For the sake of Fiat, as well as the union trust funds and U.S. taxpayers who own most of the rest of the company, the plan had better work.

    But experts say that unlike rival Ford Motor F, Fortune 500, which reported a surprise profit of nearly $1 billion the third quarter, Chrysler has a relatively empty product pipeline for the next two years. That, coupled with slim cash resources, make a return to profitability for Chrysler very unlikely.
    "Unfortunately, it's a race against time," said Michael Robinet, vice president of global vehicle forecasts for auto consultant CSM Worldwide. "I think what they're announcing is a starting point, but many more changes will be required going forward."Chrysler was king of the hill with its 300 series just a few years ago. Oh how the mighty have fallen.
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    Army shows more than one way to look under a car

    Manning security checkpoints is hazardous duty, but vehicles still must be checked. So the U.S. Army is helping develop products that will allow soldiers to do their job, preferably from a distance.Researchers and scientists at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center TARDEC have focused on semi-autonomous robotic systems capable of remotely inspecting a vehicle's undercarriage for explosives or roam the line looking for suspicious activity.
    TARDEC will showcase a couple of its favorite autonomous robotic systems this week at the Michigan Security Network Market Leadership Conference. Both units were developed for military and homeland security applications, such as airport and seaport inspections and hazardous substance detection. But nothing says you can't deploy them at your next block party. Here's a sneak peek.
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    WiFi creates challenges as well as opportunities for airlines

    Passengers' growing appetite for electronic gadgets and WiFi access is creating problems for airlines eager to sate that appetite. The challenge lies in enforcing myriad company policies and federal laws covering wireless communications.As airlines test and equip their planes for in-flight WiFi, they have to figure out how to catch people using prohibited devices (or approved devices at the wrong time) with no practical means of detecting radio-based technologies that can operate out of sight in briefcases, carry-on bags or even pockets.
    It’s just the latest in a set of challenges the airlines have faced with the rapid evolution of consumer electronics. The past decade has been marked by the relentless convergence of multiple technologies into single, easily concealed devices.
    A single smartphone, for example, can combine the once-discrete electronics of a computer, a cellphone, a video game device, a GPS, a voice recorder, a music player, a still camera, a video camera and a broadband modem or even a wireless router.Compounding the airlines’ challenge is that some of those functions are allowed at any time during a flight, some are never allowed, and still others are allowed only after the plane has reached a cruising altitude. The hapless flight attendant who spots a passenger using such a device at any point during the flight has no way of knowing for certain which technology is functioning at any given moment.
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    10 Weird Wheeled Devices

    The Conference Bike

    Boeing 727 Limousine

    The Couch

    Monowheel

    The Monster Motorbike From Hell

    The “Duck” Bus

    The Bar Stool Racer

    Flying Cars

    Robotic Body Scooper

    The Krupp Earth Mover
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    DOT Secretary Gives Keynote at APTA

    Prepared Remarks for Secy. Ray LaHood
    U.S. Department of Transportation
    American Public Transportation Assn.
    Orlando, FL-Oct. 5, 2009


    I am delighted to be here today with America’s public transportation leaders.Let me begin with a simple, straightforward message: The Obama Administration understands that reliable, modern public transportation facilities are absolutely critical to the success of every American city, every metropolitan region, and our rural communities.

    That’s our starting point, and it means we’re committing to investing in the rail, bus, ferry, vanpool, and other public transportation services that link people to jobs; provide mobility to older Americans and people with disabilities; guarantee access to vital services like health care; and spur local economic development.

    In my first 9 months at DOT, I have personally visited 30 states and 54 cities and I’ve seen the enormous impact that public transportation has on the quality and vitality of life in cities and communities of all sizes. I’ve toured the new extension to the Gold Line in Los Angeles, which is bringing light rail to low-income, transit-dependent residents of East L.A. for the very first time.

    I stood on the site of the Miami Intermodal Center, a massive ground transportation hub that will connect Miami International Airport with commuter rail, transit and intercity buses, and airport shuttles.Last month, I traveled to Chicago, Denver, and Dubuque, where city and transportation leaders are working with community groups to create energy-efficient, transit-oriented neighborhoods.

    And two weeks ago, I was in the transit capital of the nation, New York, where officials are engaged in the challenging but essential task of modernizing and expanding the oldest heavy-rail systems in the country.In all of these places, and many more, your agencies are helping state and local leaders define what livable communities really are, what they look like, and how they should perform in the twenty-first century.

    Let me assure you, we want you to succeed.We’re studying your successes, learning from your challenges, and figuring out how we can best help you serve your communities safely, effectively, and efficiently.Now I know that many serious challenges lie ahead.I know the state and local budget cuts have really stretched you to the limit. But I’m confident the situation will improve and our economy will revive.

    In the meantime, I think the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has helped to prevent a much deeper crisis from occurring. Working closely with FTA, we’ve awarded the transit industry more than 680 grants worth 7.2 billion dollars, with hundreds of millions of dollars in recovery funds still in the pipeline.

    These funds have provided operating assistance for many of you at a critical time. They’ve helped to keep capital transit programs on track around the country, despite the downturn. And they’ve helped to offset layoffs that so many transit employees have faced in these tough economic times.

    You’ve all done a great job meeting our deadlines for obligating those funds – and I hope you’ll stay on track to keep the money moving over the next several months. But the Recovery Act is about more than keeping transit afloat during tough times. It’s also about investing in the future. Recently we selected 43 transit agencies to receive 100 million dollars in recovery funds to help them pursue cutting-edge environmental technologies to help reduce global warming, lessen America’s dependence on oil, and create green jobs.

    When I visited MARTA officials in Atlanta, I learned they’re using these funds to build bus canopies with solar-paneled roofs. They’ll reduce fuel consumption and also generate extra power that can be sold back to the local utility. I hope the entire transit industry will watch these projects closely, and learn from them. At the federal level, we’re also getting more creative. For example, we’ve teamed up with HUD and EPA to create the federal government’s first sustainability partnership.

    Working together, we’ll coordinate and direct federal investments in transportation, housing, improved air quality, and water infrastructure across the country.This will help to ensure that we build more transit near affordable housing, combat sprawl, and help communities become both more livable and sustainable.In addition, through the Recovery Act, we’re making an historic 1.5 billion dollar investment in intermodal transportation projects of regional and national significance.Hundreds of innovative proposals – many of them from you in this room -- are under review right now.

    Taken together, these efforts will, over time, produce a profound, strategic shift in our commuting and travel patterns – with far greater emphasis on efficient, sustainable mobility than this country has seen in more than half a century.How will we pay for all of this?Thanks to President Obama and Congress, we’re off to a good start, with an 8 billion-dollar down-payment for new inter-city and high-speed rail service in key corridors around the country.

    We’re hopeful Congress will continue to appropriate significant funds for this long-term investment in the future of inter-city mobility.Meanwhile, the House and Senate continue to work on appropriations bills for DOT in fiscal 2010.And the President and I are determined to work with Congress to pass a transformational surface transportation bill that adequately funds our priorities.This won’t happen as quickly as we might like.

    But it will happen – and we will end up with a bill that streamlines federal transportation programs – including FTA’s New Starts program -- and identifies new sustainable funding sources.I’m grateful to Congresswoman Brown and Congressman Mica for their leadership on this important transportation issue, and I’m confident we’ll achieve a good outcome.I know many of you in urban and suburban transit districts believe you haven’t always gotten your fair share of federal transportation funds. We’re taking that into account as we work with transportation planning organizations to improve the services they provide.

    And I think you’ll see that when we’re finished, urban and metropolitan regions will have more say, and greater flexibility, in how federal dollars are spent.And that’s going to lead to better outcomes for all of us. I think the future of public transportation looks very bright – but there is one major challenge we cannot overlook, and that’s safety. Safety remains our single highest priority at DOT. Recent transit accidents in Washington, D.C., California, Massachusetts, and elsewhere have made it abundantly clear that FTA should take a stronger hand in safety. That’s why I have asked Deputy Secretary Porcari to lead a group of experts to develop new options for reforming transit safety.

    You can expect to hear more from us on this in the future. Separately, we’re taking action to clamp down on distracted drivers – including bus drivers and train operators and other transit personnel -- who endanger their passengers. On September 30th, President Obama issued an Executive Order banning federal workers from texting while driving on official business. In conjunction with that announcement, we held a very successful two-day summit on distracted driving. This is an important and historic step toward making our transit systems – and all our roads – safer to travel.

    To do our part, DOT intends to propose rulemakings to make permanent restrictions on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices in rail operations; ban text messaging altogether, and restrict the use of cell phones by truck and interstate bus operators; and disqualify school bus drivers convicted of texting while driving, from maintaining their commercial driver’s licenses. We’ll work with Congress on appropriate legislation as well.
    This is very serious business – and we should have a zero-tolerance policy for anyone who uses an electronic device while they’re behind the wheel. There’s no question we all face many challenges, but I’m very optimistic about the future of transportation in this country.
    We’re making meaningful investments in programs and projects that are going to change the way we live, work, and travel – for the better.

    I want to thank Bill Millar, Bev Scott, and all the members of APTA for working so hard during these tough times to deliver the public transportation services we all need and deserve. I also want to thank Peter Rogoff at FTA for his outstanding leadership. He hit the ground running when he arrived in June – and he hasn’t stopped since. To everyone here today, thanks for all your great work to make public transportation the best it can be in every city, town, and neighborhood in America. Thank you very much.
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    Upcoming Events : Annual Transportation Conference

    GVF Transportation's Annual Transportation Conference
    Date(s):
    Monday, November 02, 2009
    8:00 AM to 1:30 PM

    Description:
    GVF Transportation's Annual Transportation Conference.

    Details:
    Save the Date for GVF Transportation's Annual Transportation Conference.
    Monday, November 2, 2009, 8:00 AM
    Crowne Plaza Hotel, King of Prussia

    Topics covered during the conference include:
    1.Transportation Reauthorization,
    2.Climate Change
    3.Public Private Partnerships
    4.Long Term Sustainability
    5.The Role of the Employer

    This year's speakers include:
    * Barry Seymour, Executive Director of DVRPC
    * Toby Fauver, PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Local and Area Transportation
    * Frank Rapoport, Partner at McKenna Long & Aldridge
    * State Senator John Rafferty
    * Congressman Jim Gerlach
    * Congressman Joe Sestak
    * Jason Pavluchuk, Goverment Relations Inc.
    * Brian Shaw, president of National Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT)
    * Yaov Hagler, America 2050

    Cost of the event is $75 for members and $85 for non-members. For information on sponsorship opportunities or to RSVP to the conference, contact Carissa Pleiss at 610-354-8899 or at cpleiss@gvftma.com.
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