InfoHive – Transportation

What is happening? COVID caused the numbers of bikes and scooters to plummet, and now the numbers are above pre pandemic records. In 2021, there were 112 million trips on these micro mobility modes. Supporters say numbers of micro mobility riders could increase with infrastructure improvements which is code for a safe place for these bikes & scooters that isn’t a sidewalk.

Why is this important? The last mile is always crucial from the train stop to your destination or even navigating downtown after you’ve parked. “Well-designed micromobility programs mean safer, more sustainable and resilient cities,”

Route Fifty | A Strong Rebound For Shared Bikes and Scooters

What is happening? Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety issued a new report that says traffic deaths are far too high at 43,000 per year. States with good transportation safety rankings are Louisiana, Maryland, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington state and Washington, D.C.. The bottom of the barrel is Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Their controversial recommendation: speed cameras.

Why is this important? Traffic cameras are controversial 23 states allow for their use and 27 prohibit cameras.

Route Fifty | As Traffic Deaths Surge, Report Says Cameras Are Needed

What is happening? Meet DG Fuel that has a $4.4 Billion investment to make clean jet fuel. The jet fuel will be derived from biomass from forests or farms.

Why is this important? airlines are demanding a cleaner fuel and producers of clean jet fuel hope to keep up with demand.

Government Technology | A $4.4B Plan Seeks to Make Cleaner Jet Fuel in Maine

What is happening? L.A. is welcoming its first hydrogen powered buses. The reasons this matters: zero emissions, can drive longer without refueling, and do not connect to the grid. L.A. will receive a total of 33 hydrogen powered buses, the largest order in North America.

Why is this important? The hydrogen powered buses will replace older EV buses.

Government Technology | First Hydrogen-Powered Transit Bus Coming to L.A. County

What is happening? Meet Lightyear, a Ditch startup, that is producing a solar powered EV that can hold a charge for 2 months in The Netherlands in the summer and a 7 month charge in Portugal (the sunnier country). The first model, Lightyear 0, is priced at $259,000 and has 150 pre-orders.

Why is this important? Solar charging cars in production and ready for sale.

@bloombergbusiness

Electrek | Lightyear wins race to market with start of solar EV production in Finland

What is happening? Rural Counties in Montana are collectively seeking a return of an Amtrak route with Infrastructure Funding. Trains remain economic lifelines in rural America. Supporter messaging includes how its good for healthcare to transport people to hospitals far away, and for students who are attending universities far away in the big state.

Why is this important? Infrastructure funds are available to support rail such as 750 mile segments intra state and with matching state funds.

Route Fifty | In a Rural Corner of the West, a Local Level Push to Revive Passenger Rail

What is happening? A California proposition sought to implement a 1% tax on California’s wealthiest to fund an EV Program and wildfire prevention programs. It had widespread support from nonprofit, associations, and the Democratic Party. The ballot initiative was polling above 60%.

The trifecta that brought the proposition down included the Governor &  California Teachers Association publicly opposing the proposition, the supporter coalition had a big PR problem, and billionaires put money in to campaign against it.

Why is this important? This is a checklist to lock down when counting your supporters. That means also checking within your own side to see if you have any potential PR issues.

Route Fifty | How California’s Initiative to Fund Electric Vehicles Went Terribly Wrong

What is happening? We’ve talked about Michigan testing 2 EV charging roadways. Michigan isn’t alone. Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Utah all also have EV charging roadways in the pipeline. It is said the benefactor of roadways that charge EVs will be the supply chain and the trucking industry.

Why is this important? “If we do this correctly, we can decrease the costs of transportation for everyone.”–Tallis Blalack, managing director of the ASPIRE engineering research center headquartered at Utah State University

Government Tech | States Test an Electrifying Idea: Roads That Can Recharge Your EV

What is happening? Voters in Orange County Florida rejected a one cent tax for transit and transportation projects. It was one of the largest transportation and transit measure son the ballot across the country.

Governing | Mixed Results for City Initiatives as Local Election Results Trickle In

What is happening? Florida has had a gas tax holiday to relieve inflationary pressures on residents. The gas tax holiday is ending and Economists don’t expect a drastic overnight economic shift as the tax returns.

Why is this important? New tax holidays are expected in Florida.

WFTS | Economist says gas tax holiday end likely won’t lead to overnight spike