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Transit authorities in San Francisco want to hit the pause button on 24/7 autonomous taxi service. During the pilot program for autonomous taxis problems such as reports surfaced of driverless vehicles holding up traffic, entering construction zones and interfering with transit. Plus, let’s not forget the hit to transit numbers.
Governing | Why San Francisco Transit Wants a Slower Rollout of Driverless Taxis
The National League of Cities has released data mapping train derailments. Between 2013 and 2022 there were 12,000 incidents. On average, 3 trains a day leave their tracks, mostly in a non-dramatic fashion. Since 2000, the number of accidents has fallen by half.
Route Fifty | New Map Shows How Common Train Derailments Are
Pennsylvania isn’t far from the Ohio train derailment tragedy. It is only natural that the Pennsylvania Legislature would consider HB1028 (2023 | PA) to improve train safety. The opponents are the state’s chamber of commerce that says the bill will burden business’ logistics, disrupt the supply chain, and is preempted by federal law. The bill would limit trains to 8500 feet (yes, that’s over a mile), require 2 train operators on the train, & create a reporting system for hazardous materials.
Pennsylvania is considering SB595 (2023 | PA) that would treat motorcycle processions like funeral processions. After notifying local authorities this would allow motorcycle processions to do things like proceed through red lights.
Governing | Pennsylvania Bikers Rally for Self-Driving Vehicle Protections
Florida passed a law that will invalidate, in Florida, drivers license of undocumented persons. SB 1718 (2023 | FL) 19 states and the District of Columbia issue drivers licenses to person who are not documented.
Route Fifty | New Florida Law Invalidates Out-of-State Licenses for ‘Undocumented Immigrants’
Wisconsin passed a bill protecting gas powered vehicles in the state.The bill would prevent statewide sale requirements of only electric or hydrogen cars, snow blowers, & lawnmowers sales. Thereby allowing gas motor sales to continue unfettered.
AP | Wisconsin Legislature moves to protect access to gas-powered vehicles
Minnesota’s gas tax will be indexed to inflation. Maryland’s gas tax will automatically rise by 47 cents come July. Maryland will have the 4th highest gas tax. Indiana’s Legislature extended its annual 1 cent gas tax increase.
KSTP | Minnesota Legislature passes transportation bill with delivery fees, gas tax increase
Maryland Matters | Maryland gas tax will go up to 47 cents per gallon in July
Fox 59 | Indiana Senate amendment would extend annual 1-cent gas tax increase
SB 847 (2023 | CA) would allow Sikhs and people whose faith requires them to wear a turban or patka could soon be allowed to ride motorcycles in California without a helmet.
Sacramento Bee | California bill would allow Sikhs to ride motorcycles without a helmet
Oklahoma is targeting teen drivers to reduce traffic deaths. HB2418 (2023 | OK) The number of deaths in work zones increased from 586 in 2010 to 956 in 2021.Oklahoma is the 1st state in the country to require new teen drivers to take a 1 hour video focusing on driving in work zones.
Route Fifty | One State Targets Teen Drivers to Reduce Work Zone Deathshttps://www.route-fifty.com/infrastructure/2023/05/one-state-targets-teen-drivers-reduce-work-zone-deaths/386858/
Phoenix is moving its autonomous vehicle pilot into the next phase to pilot autonomous public transit. The 5 year pilot program will require vehicles to drive safely on normal streets (no special lanes), be equipped with dash cams as well as in-car cameras to monitor the passenger compartment, and have controls for routing, scheduling, station stopping and dwell time.
Route Fifty | City Greenlights Autonomous Vehicle Testing for Public Transit