InfoHive – Transportation

Researchers in Uruguay are formulating a permeable concrete that allows water to travel through it, thereby reducing incidences of flooding. @dw_environment

Scotland is turning unused telephone boxes to EV chargers. @worldeconomicforum

 Wired reviewed Department of Energy EV charging data and determined that “the US currently has 188,600 public and private charging ports, and 67,900 charging stations.” There are an additional 240 charging stations in the planning phase. Compared to traditional gas stations of which there are about 145,000 gas stations according to the American Petroleum Institute.  Coltura, an alternative fuel research and advocacy group, says the number of public EV chargers needs to grow by a factor of 6.

California is offering $400 to drivers willing to try a pay as you drive program, the 2024 Road Charge Collection Pilot.

 Last week we talked about the Port of San Antonio in Texas establishing a port for air taxis. Miami is also in on the action. Miami will commence vertical lift air taxi service in 2026. The Miami project is set with 20 small electric jets from Lilium, a German aviation company. These vertical lift jets hold 6 passengers and travel up to 100 miles. 

Governing | Miami Planned Air Taxi Would Be a U.S. First

Pretending to be driving for the Fast and Furious by doing driving stunts on public roads has new criminal enforcement tools in Alabama. The Legislature passed HB 474 (2024 | AL)  that allows for the impounding of vehicles caught on camera.

WVTM | Alabama legislature passed bill with stronger enforcement measures against exhibition driving

Last week we talked about how the data from the Northeast corridor supports business use of Amtrak’s high speed rail in Texas. Here’s some more data. Each day 800,000 passengers use the Northeast corridor.

Governing | How Trains Built a Cultural and Economic Megalopolis

Port San Antonio is making moves to be an autonomous air port for vertical take off air craft. It is anticipated that autonomous aircraft,  eVTOLs, will be whirling about over the city in a few years. A deal has been reached to begin construction to make it happen.  “State agencies preparing for this new mode of transportation” and, the Port is looking for business partners.

Government Technology | Port San Antonio Wants to Become Flying Car Hub

Virginia’s Republican Governor signed HB 985 (2024 | VA) that prohibits certain pavement and driveway sealants. The sealant prohibition applies to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, or PAHs, chemicals commonly found in coal tar.  Opposition from  the Pavement Coating Technology Council argued that others are doing it too, which is oddly reminiscent of many things my younger brother use to say.

News from the States | Bill banning certain driveway, pavement sealants to take effect this July

In 2000, Amtrak added high speed rail in the Northeast corridor. Amtrak ultimately gained a 75% rider share of business travel in the corridor. Amtrak is now working on developing high speed rail project between Dallas and Houston.

Railway News | Amtrak Highlights Plan for High-Speed Rail in Texas