Transportation

Local governments are looking for ways to cool their cities. Whether it’s a Chief Heat Officer like Phoenix, LA and Miami or adding “solar roofs” to the top of open air parking to both create shade for cars, and also generate electricity.

Governing | We Need Cooler Cities. Here’s How to Build Them.

Data from Chargepoint app, shows that California, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, Colorado, Maryland, Ohio and Michigan lead the nation in the number of EV chargers. In the last 3 years, these states have installed more than 1/2 of the U.S.’s new EV chargers. States that have the highest number per capita EV chargers are Vermont, Washington, D.C., Maine, Massachusetts, Colorado, Hawaii, California, Maryland, Oregon and Rhode Island.

Route Fifty | In national race to build EV chargers, a few states emerge as big winners

A 2022 study by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative found that rates of crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists dropped by an average of 50% after asphalt art was installed. Safer and prettier streets, a win-win.

Route Fifty | Cities paint the way to safer streets

AB 316 (2023 | CA) would limit the use of driverless big trucks in California. This bill would also require autonomous truck testing companies to report to the Legislature after 5 years of testing and to keep a human on board the vehicle through 2029.

Transportation Dive | California senators advance bill restricting driverless trucks

The Port of Long Beach this week opened the largest big rig EV charging station. The EV charging station, 2404 Pier A Way, is home to 26, 360-kilowatt, charging stations for electric drayage trucks. It is the result of a partnership between WattEV & Southern California Edison. The ultimate goal is add more EV chargers so that the trucks can reduce charge times to 20 to 40 minutes.

Governing | Port of Long Beach Opens Electric Truck Charging Depot 

EV big rigs are hitting our roads, but there’s a dearth of EV chargers for them. WallStreet Journal tells us that PG&E told “charging provider FreeWire Technologies that one of its large fleet customers wouldn’t be able to charge trucks for a few years during summer afternoons when California electricity use peaks.”

Wall Street Journal | Electric Big Rigs Hit the Streets, but Chargers Are Scarce

It’s safer to ride a bike than an e-bike or e-scooter in NYC. In fact the death rate from accidents is 3 times higher on the e-mobility devices. 3 times!

New York Daily News via Governing | NYC E-Bikes and E-Scooters Exceed Bicycles in Deaths

As if bad drivers, road work, and traffic accidents weren’t enough to slow your commute, meet phantom traffic jams. What’s a phantom traffic jam? It is when a slow down occurs because of driver behavior and not an accident or obstruction. Tennessee is testing out a system of cameras to gather data to determine the quantity and rational behind phantom traffic jams. In one 3 hour span during the morning commute, researchers identified 20!!! waves of phantom traffic jams each and every work day.

Route Fifty | Why am I stuck in traffic? A Tennessee project could provide answers

Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate is developing a new wildfire alert system. Emergency alerts will be sent to vehicle infotainment dashboards and mobile apps.

GCN | Researchers demo geotargeted wildfire alerts sent to vehicles

 To help cities plan for the onslaught of vertical takeoff and electric air vehicles, the researchers at the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University have developed a geographic information system. This information will help cities determine the best place for ground hubs, or vertiports, that benefit passenger boarding, aircraft maintenance and charging as well as takeoff and landing. 

Route Fifty | Air taxis are taking off. Cities should start planning now.

2022 saw the highest number of pedestrian traffic fatalities since 1981 according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association. Since 2010, pedestrian deaths have gone up 77%, far more than the increase in other traffic related fatalities which increased 25% over the same time. Texas saw a 1% increase in pedestrian fatalities between 2021 and 2022. 60.4% of fatalities occur on regular, non-freeway, non-feeder roads.

Governors Highway Safety Association | Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State

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.

Spotlight PA | A train safety bill inspired by the East Palestine derailment faces tough odds in the Pa. legislature

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

In 2022, 21.4% of public EV chargers did not work. In 2020 it was 14.5%. what’s causing this? broken parts, frozen information screens, malfunctioning payment systems, copper thieves stealing cords, damage from vandals. Some vandals stuffed ground meat into charging plugs.

Governing | Why Do So Many EV Chargers Across the Nation Not Work?

Minnesota did not pass a fee on ride share rides because the tax/fee was too complicated to implement and only raised $20 million.

MinnPost | Legislative proposal would add fees to Uber rides, Amazon deliveries to fund Minnesota transportation

Maine Legislature is considering LD1937 (2023 |ME) that will require rail shipment contents to be disclosed. In 2015 Maine passed a law to make rail cargo contents protected from disclosure.

Trains | Maine legislature seeks to end confidentiality for rail shipment of hazardous materials

NYC released what it’s calling first of its kind data on EV charger use as part of its curb side EV charger pilot program. The 100 EV chargers were operational operation 99.9% of the time. Utilization and reliability has exceeded expectations. Utilization rates in December 2022 were 34%.

NYC DOT | New, First-in-the-Nation Electric Vehicle Charging Report Shows High Usage, Reliability at Plugs Across City

Public transit use to Taylor Swift concerts is breaking records. In Atlanta the 4 public transit routes to the stadium TRIPLED their ridership to  140,000 riders because of the concert. In Philadelphia, 27,000 fans took the subway after the concert.

Governing | Taylor Swift Fans Give Public Transit a Well-Timed Boost

Add Minnesota to the list of 19 states that permit drivers licenses for undocumented drivers. The policy arguments are public safety, increasing sense of community for the immigrants, and “assimilation.” When this passed in California, the number of hit and runs decreased by 10%.

Stanford Business | Should States Give Driver’s Licenses to Unauthorized Residents?

Governing | Driver’s Licenses for All Make Roads Safer for Us All

SB 40 (2023 | IL) is on the desk of the Illinois Governor for signature. The bill would require all new homes to be EV charger ready. Supporters say it can cost 6times more to retrofit EV chargers.

WJOL | Bill Mandating EV Charger Capabilities for New Construction Headed to Illinois Governor

Delaware is poised to enact SB103 (2023 | DE) that will require all new homes to have an EV charger installed. Single-family homes would require a charger in the garage or the home’s designated parking space, & multi-family homes must have 5% of parking spaces equipped for charging electric vehicles.

Town Square | EV Chargers in new homes

Sweden will be the first country to have a permanent EV charging road. Sweden will build out 1800 miles of EV charging roadways. The electric road system (ERS) will enable EVs to recharge on the move, enabling greater distances to be traveled between charge station visits. Several years ago Sweden piloted EV charging roadways near Arlanda airport in Stockholm.

CarScoops | Sweden To Open World’s First Permanently Electrified Road For EV Charging On The Move In 2025

AB316 (2023 | CA) will require autonomous big trucks in California to have a human on board.

BayAreaInno | California’s legislature is considering forcing autonomous trucks to have human operators on board

Florida legislature passed SB902 (2023 | FL) , the Tyre Sampson Act. Tyre died in 2022 when he fell from a drop ride at  ICON Park. The legislation fully funds 18 inspectors who can make unannounced inspections.

WUSF | Legislature approves the Tyre Sampson Act to improve safety of Florida amusement park rides

HB3447 (2023 | TX) creates the Texas Space Commission and an Aerospace Research and Space Consortium. This is Texas $350 million program to support aerospace programs in Texas. The Commission will manage intergovernmental agreements & new space-related economic development. It’s also an opportunity for Midland to re-establish its Midland Spaceport Development Board that disbanded in 2019.

News West 9 | Texas House passes legislation for new Texas Space Commission

Meet Candela, a Swedish company, that builds boats that keep waterways clean by using hydrofoils to propel them. It is expected that these boats can reduce energy consumption by 80%. Candela is working on the fastest electric ferry.

@swedense

This analysis by Cambridge Mobile Telematics shows that drivers are more distracted now than pre-pandemic. Speeding is up and drives distracted by their phones increased by 8%.

Route Fifty | Drivers More Distracted Now Than Before the Pandemic, Study Shows

NYC is using MicroHUBS for delivery services to take delivery trucks off the roads and ease road congestion. NYC plan is a voluntary pilot program of 20 initial sites with consideration for area’s density, proximity to bike lanes and truck routes, and community input when picking the first sites.

Route Fifty | NYC Experiments with ‘Microhubs’ to Ease Street Congestion

Georgia Legislature is considering SB 26 (2023 | GA)  the Georgia Electric Vehicle Future Act. It’s EV Economic Development roadmap. Georgia is creating a statewide electric vehicle manufacturing program that would focus on developing, marketing and promoting investments and job creation for Georgia’s EV industry. It also establishes the Georgia Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Commission would be made up of private sector and public officials, and would serve as an oversight body for EV initiatives.

Albany Herald | Georgia could develop statewide electric vehicle manufacturing program

I’ll admit this ordinance’s moniker, atv road terrorist, lured me in. What exactly is the problem this ordinance wants to fix? Turns out there is so many fun things to do in Rhode Island that people ride atvs through the streets, illegally, and do tricks with their atvs. A new fun past time. Providence would would put first time offenders jail for 30 days and require 150 hours of community service. repeat offenders would see 60 days in jail and 250 hours of community service.

ABC 6 | ‘ATV road terrorists’: Rep. Lima reintroduces legislation to criminalize illegal ATV riding

Let’s check in on EV legislation in Texas. SB 1001 and SB1002 are said to create a framework to expand supercharger installation. SB 505 would add a $400 registration fee for EVs and a $200 annual renewal. Looks like gas stations in Texas are following the 7-11 model of lets bringing EVs to our business so they can charge their vehicles. Carrots, not sticks.

Hypothetically say you were a Governor of a Southern peninsula shaped state. Say you were hypothetically fuming at a large amusement park in your state, what do you do? Naturally you work to require new inspections of mono rails an amusement rides.

WorldWide Leader in Disney News Today | DeSantis Will Attempt to Void Disney’s Property Rights Declaration, Add State Inspections of Monorails and Rides

Oh boy, oh boy… JD Power estimates the number of EV chargers that do not function properly at 1 in 5. The charging station problems range from “unresponsive or unavailable screens, payment system failures, charge initiation failures, network failures, [to] broken connectors.”  Some say the reasons are that ” They include a” panoply of automakers, charging network operators, route-finding tools and now the government” using the chargers.

Politico | Why America’s EV chargers keep breaking

$112 million in federal funding is available to cities and states looking to prevent collisions by building routes that help animals safely cross highways. Apply here.

Route Fifty | An Initiative to Fawn Over: Funding for Wildlife Crossings Now Available

AB5348 (2023 | NJ) has the New Jersey Legislature considering collecting data concerning auto accidents and marijuana use. The data would follow the alcohol related accident data reporting. Colorado legalized marijuana in 2014, and the number of fatal crashes involving drivers who tested positive for marijuana doubled between 2013-2017.

Route Fifty | New Jersey Bill Would Track Deadly Car Crashes Involving Marijuana

Wildlife bridges- the amazing natural pathways for animals to freely and safely cross roadways. Montana decided to create a funded pilot program for wildlife bridges. HB 887 (2023 | MT) The fund would hold $1 million and can receive gifts and grants. The Center for Large Landscape Conservation found that wildlife bridges cut vehicle-wildlife collisions by 86-97%. It’s a safety win-win.

Montana Free Press | $1 million wildlife crossings fund passes legislative committee

Is your city lagging in road funding? Take a peak at the Indiana Legislature. A bill is granting Indianapolis the authority to declare itself a distressed asset. This allows the state to appoint an emergency manager. This legislation would allow “any municipality that is at least $1 billion behind in funding its critical infrastructure needs can declare such status.” The brainchild, an Indianapolis legislator, says the legislation will ““allow the city to leverage more resources.”

Daily Journal | Amendment to road funding bill would allow state takeover of Indianapolis

California on the verge of excepting garbage trucks from mandated EV adoption. They won’t get a total pass but the garbage trucks that run on natural gas will get to hang onto natural gas until 2042. Here’s what Waste management had to say:

“Although WM supports the state’s long-term goal of electrifying the transportation sector, we believe that the final rule should be revised to consider and give credit to the large investments already made.”

Governing | California Garbage Trucks May Avoid Electrification Until 2042

7-11 is bringing convince back, or rather to, EV drivers. 7-11 has an EV charging plan, 7Charge, that will bring EV chargers to their convenience stores. Stop, grab a coffee and charge your EV. As 7-11’s CEO says, ““7‑Eleven has innovated to meet our customers’ needs — delivering convenience where, when and how they want it.”

ARS Technical | 7-Eleven starts its own EV charging network, 7Charge

Modern public transit is much more than bus fares. It is micro transit and mobility wallets. A mobility wallet allows fares to be added an app on your phone that then serves as your mode of payment. A mobility wallet also allows employers to add funds which serves as an employment benefit.

Spartan News Room | More transit agencies add door-to-door services and ‘mobility wallets’

Maryland has officially adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II Standards, for those who had siblings who liked to call you names, imagine your sibling calling this standard the California standard. State analysis says this means 383,000 fewer new gas-powered vehicles sold by 2030, 1.68 million fewer conventional vehicles by 2035. By 2040, anticipated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions may potentially provide net in-state health benefits equal to about $39.9 million per year.

Maryland Matters | Moore recommits Maryland to highest national climate goals for electric vehicle sales

All 28 Mackinac ferries are switching to electric power motors. “We are continuing to make investments to lead the future of mobility and electrification, so we can grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and lower energy costs for families and businesses,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The Detroit News | Michigan’s Mackinac Island Ferry to Switch to Electric Power

$700 million in local grants for level 2 EV chargers were announced this week. These local grants are to fill in gaps where private companies are less likely to install EV chargers. Meet the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant program to help cities, counties and tribal governments.

Route Fifty | $700M in Grants for Local EV Chargers Announced

A start up in Kansas, Integrated Roadways, created a smart road that imbeds wifi, sensing technology, and EV charging into pavement. The ultimate goal is to create public road infrastructure that is a financially self-sustaining asset. The company says it will create incentives for the states to keep the roads maintained.

Startland News | This startup designed roads that pay for themselves (and charge your electric vehicle while driving)

68% of American drivers are nervous about self driving cars. Last year it was 55%. AAA is calling it a “dramatic decline in trust”

The Hill | Nearly 70 percent of motorists nervous about self-driving cars: AAA survey

A 1956 federal law prohibits EV charging at rest stops on inter states. The Federal-Aid Highway Act limits what can be sold at rest stops and EV charging is not on the list. Now you know, like an after school special…

11 Alive | VERIFY: Are EV charging stations banned interstate rest stops?

HB 401 (2023 | MS) would prohibit direct sales of EVs in Mississippi. EVs would have to be sold through independent dealerships. Current law in Mississippi allows a dealer to obtain a dealer license and sell vehicles. HB 401 would undo current law.

Super Talk Mississippi Media | Mississippi lawmakers pass bill banning direct sale of electric vehicles

Michigan HB 4016 (2023 MI) devotes $630 million to acquire land and build infrastructure for a new Ford EV battery plant. This is addition to the economic develop awards for Ford. Ford has been cleared for $1 billion in incentives, including a $210 million grant and a waiver of property taxes.

Bridge Michigan | Michigan lawmakers clear $1.3B spending bill with $630M for Ford EV battery plant

Mercedes Benz autonomous vehicle test in Nevada is the first in the nation to receive a Level 3 testing designation. A level 3 designation means that a car to operate itself under certain conditions. Nevada is known for its friendly regulatory system for autonomous vehicles.

“Nevada law allows for autonomous vehicle companies to operate their systems in the state as long as the operator submits a certificate of compliance to the Department of Motor Vehicles. These compliance certificates are completed by the companies and the DMV doesn’t certify or test the vehicles, according to Kevin Malone, public information officer for the DMV.”

Governing | Mercedes-Benz Approved for Level 3 Autonomous Vehicle in Nevada

Utah wants to lower the gas taxes and add a new excise tax on electricity charging for EVs. HB 301 (2023 | UT) The gas tax would decrease from 16.5% to 14.2%. The excise tax on EV charging would be a new 12.5% tax on electricity from charging stations. Opponents say this creates a 3 layer taxation on EVs as EV owners currently pay sales and franchise taxes if they use charging stations that have a fee.

Salt Lake Tribune | Gas would be cheaper and charging EVs more expensive if this bill passes

Georgia is moving along with HB406 (2023 | GA) that would allow retailers to charge EV drivers for electricity by the kilowatt hour. Currently EV car owners are charged by how long the EV is connected to the charger. Drivers would pay an excise tax on the electricity, the rate would be set by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Capitol Beat | Georgia House committee passes EV bill

States leading e-bike incentives: California, Colorado, Connecticut and Hawaii. Cities leading on e-bike incentives: Austin, Texas; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Columbus, Ohio. Incentives range from cash purchase incentives, rebates after purchase. California is setting its sights on a $50 million expanded e-bike incentive program.

Governing | Governments Aim to Reduce the Big Barrier to E-Bike Adoption: The Price

After the recent train derailment and chemical clean up, Ohio’s Governor is considering reforms for trains traveling in Ohio. He wants reforms to reduce the number of cars carrying flammable liquids to meet the threshold for a high hazard flammable train.

The Ohio crash and chemical plume was caused by 5 cars, far below the current threshold of 30 cars with flammable liquid.

Ohio Capital Journal | Ohio Gov. DeWine Calls for Stricter Regulations on Railways after East Palestine Derailment

 Valley ZEV Mobility Project, a $1.9 million California pilot program that gave 4 EV fleet vehicles and charging infrastructure to rural agricultural communities by creating green rideshare to grocery stores and medical appointments.

The pilot lasted 4 months and vanished during COVID. The EVs were transferred to Los Angeles and never returned. The 9 charging stations had no entity responsible for maintaining the chargers. Successful rural EV programs in California say the flaw in this program was that it was a private for profit company running the program from 300 miles away.

Governing | California’s Failed Remote EV Program Is a Cautionary Tale

A study published this month in the journal Science of the Total Environment found that in California, every 20 zero-emissions vehicles per 1,000 people in a given zip code led to a 3.2 percent drop in the rate of emergency room visits due to asthma.

This 7 year study found that as EV adoption grew, ER visits dropped.

Science Direct | California’s early transition to electric vehicles: Observed health and air quality co-benefits

Vox | It doesn’t take that many electric cars to improve public health

Let’s take a peek at Iowa’s EV charging tax. Iowa passed a tax on kilowatt hours of charging 4 years ago. The legislature is currently thinking about tweaking it.

When Iowa passed its kw tax on EV charging it also included an added registration fee for EVs and an excise tax for hydrogen fuel.

Some policy kinks: They didn’t consider the trucking industry adopting EVs, that homeowners charging at home would not be charged the EV charging tax and how to attribute taxes for chargers at apartment complexes.

Route Fifty | How One State Is Rolling Out an EV Charging Tax System

Greenification. It’s my new faux word for cities adding more trees and vegetation to roadways. In late 2022, we talked about a partnership Philadelphia entered into to add more fruit trees to its infrastructure to not only add green but also add access to fresh produce. 

Rio de Janeiro is looking at greenification not only for adding green space, but also architectural interest. Rio has a 4 part test to add more tropical foliage to neighborhood streets. 

The 4 part test:

• urban
• the streets must be multimodal; cars, bikes, pedestrian
• the neighborhood must be clean, safe and cosmopolitan for residents and tourists
• tropical plant suitable

Governing | Bringing the Jungle to City Streets

HF 413 (2023 | MN) would allow a single electric company to own chargers in Minnesota. Similar bills supporting the same company are under consideration in CO and NM.

The opposition is organized b y Charge Ahead partnership representing retailers, grocers, energy marketers, truck stops and convenience stores. They say “allowing ratepayer-supported utilities such as Xcel Energy to own EV charging infrastructure will stifle the private market and raise customer power bills.”

Utility Dive | Minnesota electric vehicle legislation would allow Xcel Energy to corner charging market, retailers warn

South Carolina is considering amending its move over, slow down law. Most states have a law that requires drivers to slow down and/move over lane for first responders. South Carolina wants to extend this to any vehicle on the side of the road with its flashers on.

WYFF4 | SC legislature proposing changes to ‘Move Over, Slow Down’ law

NYC piloted a technology that will automatically reduce the speed of its fleet if a vehicle exceeds a certain speed. During the pilot vehicles drove legal limits 99% of the time and reduced rapid hard breaking by 36%. Pilot testing will continue through 2024 before full fleet rollout will be recommended.

Route Fifty | How One City is Cutting Down Speeding in Its Municipal Fleet

What is happening? Colorado’s Department of Transportation has a new task- to build affordable housing. The DOT hopes to attract and retain more workers by building places for workers to live in the mountains. How do you keep snow plow drivers? You build affordable housing for them.

Why is this important? We’ll remember a similar issue for sorts in Colorado that are building affordable housing to keep and retain employees.

Route Fifty | Colorado’s DOT Goes from Building Roads to Building Homes

What is happening? Automakers are suing over Massachusetts Right to Repair law the outcome of which will impact independent auto repair shops. If the right to repair law is overturned independent auto repair shops say they’d be forced out of business.

Route Fifty | A Massachusetts Law Protects the Right to Repair Your Own Car. Automakers Are Suing

What is happening? Meet Wyoming’s SJR004 (2023 | WY) that would ban the sale of EVs in Wyoming. Supporters say they support the fossil fuel industry, that wide spread use of electric vehicles are impractical in Wyoming, and environmental concerns over disposing of EV batteries.

Autoweek | Wyoming Legislators Want to Ban EVs by 2035

Washington Post | Wyoming GOP lawmaker pushes electric-car ban, then says he didn’t mean it

What is happening? Chicago, NY, NJ and Washington State all have adopted regulations to provide protections from being blocked by a ride share company. Humm, does this sound a lot like the social media is censoring us issue? The regulations establish standards before a driver can be deactivated based on customer complaints.

Market Watch | Rules Seek to Address Apps from Banning Gig Workers

What is happening? traffic congestion has returned, not to pre-COVID levels, but it has returned. The average person spends 51 hours per year in traffic congestion. That’s up by 15+ hours from 2021. Traffic congestions costs $869 in lost time. Chicago drivers lost 155 hours; Houston 74, Austin 53 and Dallas 56; and Los Angeles 95 hours.

NPR | Traffic congestion got much worse in 2022 but is still below pre-pandemic levels

What is happening? Miami is the 1st city in the U.S. to adopt a  Extreme Heat Action Plan. This will include reducing waste heat from vehicles & utilizing concrete that offers cooling through permeability or reflectivity. Miami defines extreme heat as 2+ days over 90 degrees. 

Why is this important? It’s past time to try new ways of tackling old problems, Miami-Dade County Mayor Levine Cava, says: “Now is the time to put ambition into action.”

Route Fifty | Miami-Dade Debuts Plan to Tackle Extreme Heat Problem

What is happening? To improve bus reliability, local governments are relying on data from autonomous vehicles. This seems oddly disparate, right? Not so…Computer aided bus dispatch coupled with data from autonomous vehicles has been shown improve bus reliability.

Why is this important? “North Carolina’s Concord Kannapolis Area Transit (Rider), such technology has decreased call volumes by 50%, compared to 10 years ago”

Route Fifty | City Bus Reliability Picks Up With Automatic Vehicle Location Tech

What is happening? Legislators are considering lowering the blood alcohol level from 0.08 to 0.05. This is the same thing that Utah did in 2019. Utah saw a drop in fatal crashes after lowering the limit.

Seattle Times | On transportation, WA Legislature looks to tackle safety, equity, inflation

What is happening? Road construction can involve asphalt mixed with recycled plastics. Transportation officials want to see this recycled plastic road option pavement last longer, save money and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. The lingering question is whether the plastic laced roadways will leach chemicals into water.

Why is this important? “The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that 44 million metric tons of plastic waste were discarded in landfills in 2019. Only about 5 percent of the plastic waste in the nation was recycled, and 86 percent was deposited in landfills; the rest was burned to generate electricity.”

Governing | ‘Plastic Roads’ Are Paved With Good Intention

What is happening? Lyft is offering cash incentives for its EV drivers. The incentives stem from California regulations that require ride share companies to reduce emissions. Lyft has also partnered with EV Charging & home charging installation companies to reduce the cost of charging for its drivers.

Why is this important? EV incentives take many forms and hit from many angles. This is an example of a private EV incentive. We usually hear about the tax breaks and credits.

Route Fifty | Lyft Offers Incentives to Drivers Who Switch to Electric Vehicles

What is happening? France is prohibiting flights of less than 2.5 hours within its borders, if there is an available train route. The goal is to control emissions.

@Good

What is happening? A group of international organizations are working together to create a new corridor for helicopter sized drones to carry cargo and people from Syracuse, NY to Montreal, Canada. They’re calling it a  “advanced air mobility” corridor. The helicopter sized drones will be battery powered. It will be an opportunity for small regional airports.

Why is this important? The drones are being built in the US, have not been certified, but are expect to by 2024. It is said that  “5,000 underutilized regional airports throughout the country could eventually be utilized as bases for the aircraft, assisting with cargo deliveries.”

Governing | New Corridor for Helicopter-Sized Drones Coming to Syracuse

What is happening? This Wednesday applications began to access $2.3 billion in funding for passenger service. Applications are open for Amtrak, states, Washington, D.C., federally recognized Indian tribes and local governments. Grants can also be used for projects that improve the safety, reliability, and performance of intercity passenger rail services and for planning activities, such as environmental review and final design.

Why is this important? This is the most significant rail funding in the last 50 years.

Route Fifty | Passenger Rail Set to Expand with $2.3B Up for Grabs

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

What is happening? Washington State is turning into a dichotomy in Electric Vehicles. Voters oppose bans on gas cars and also support EVs.

Why is this important? California and New York have already adopted plans to ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035. Washington and Oregon are on track to do the same.

Governing | Washington Drivers Oppose Gas-Car Ban, But EV Demand Remains High

What is happening? On Tuesday West Virginia voters will vote whether to eliminate the tax on inventory and equipment which some say will effectively remove the tax on personal vehicles in West Virginia.

Why is this important? Fun fact, people in West Virginia pay a property tax TWICE A YEAR on their vehicles.

Route Fifty | West Virginia Ballot Measure Has Local Officials ‘Very, Very Nervous’

What is happening? Miami is considering limiting the use of scooters to 6am to 9pm.

Why is this important? Miami has spent 13 months trying to move being scooter pilot programs to permanent scooter rules.

Miami Today | Miami plan would reduce scooters’ hours and numbers

What is happening? There’s a Governors Race in Pennsylvania. Guess which side proposes easing inflation and offering a $250 per car, up to 4 cars per household, without regard for income? Did you guess Republican? Well, you should guess again. The Democrat candidate proposes gas tax rebates.

Why is this important? Transportation costs are center to the conversation of inflation, tax cuts, tax rebates and more.

Penn Live | Pa. election 2022: Where governor candidates stand on gas tax, business regulations, and property taxes

What is happening? North Carolina Governor issued Executive Order 271, establishing the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle, to require manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty vehicles to increase the number of their North Carolina fleets zero-emission starting by 2025.

Why is this important? The Executive Order will build upon North Carolina as a (1) national hub for truck and bus manufacturing and supply chain development; (2) improve NC Department of Health & Human Services data gathering for the impact of emissions on communities across the state; and (3) address the disproportionate impact emissions have on communities of color, low-income and rural communities

Governing | North Carolina Governor Paves Way for Electric Trucks, Buses

What is happening? In early 2023, The Federal Highway Administration, is starting a pilot project for wildlife crossings to protect drivers and animals. Projects that get funding will  “most effectively reduce motorist-wildlife collisions and that provide better “habitat connectivity,” 

Why is this important? “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $350 million to help improve options for animals to traverse busy roads. The money will be distributed over five years.”

Route Fifty | What to Know About the $350M in New Funding for Wildlife Crossings

What is happening? Orange County (Orlando metro area), FL voters will decide whether to enact a penny cent sales tax to fund transportation upgrades. It is said to generate $600 million per year. 90% would be split evenly between regional transit (bus & commuter rail) and roadway improvements. 10% to cities to spend on transportation projects.

Why is this important? It is being viewed as a way to fund transportation upgrades from tourism.

Governing | Three Transportation Measures to Watch This November

What is happening? California has passed legislation so that all Californians can choose a Digital license plate. The author of the legislation says it is a matter of choice and convenience. AB 984 ( CA | 2022) Opponents are concerned about safety as the digital plate manufacturer collects GPS data, which they say they do not share with law enforcement.

Why is this important? Arizona and Michigan also allow digital license plates for all vehicles. In Texas commercial fleets may use them. 10 other states are considering adopting digital license plates.

NPR | California drivers can now sport digital license plates on their cars

What is happening? The numbers behind the Electric Vehicle manufacturing in the U.S.:

• Since 2021, at least $50 billion on electric vehicle plants has been announced
• Since 2021, the $50 billion is spread across 10 states
• $10.8 billion in economic development incentives promised
• $11 billion Ford electric-vehicle project in Kentucky & Tennessee
• $1 billion fund for corporate subsidies created by Michigan Legislature
• $6.6 billion electric-truck factory and battery plant chose Michigan with development incentives from the state
• $414,000 spent for each direct job at Ford’s Tennessee EV manufacturing hub
• $450,000 per GM job will be contributed by Michigan
• $212,000 per job will be foregone by Georgia to win megaprojects from Rivian Automotive Inc. and Hyundai Motor Co. in the past two years

Why is this important? Michigan created an economic development fund to land the GM plant. The fund was created in reaction to Ford choosing Tennessee and Kentucky.

Governing | America’s Billion-Dollar Bidding War for Electric Vehicle Plants