Arjan van Andel

🚍 Hello Transit Community 🚆 📝 Paper: "Decision support tools for effective bus fleet electrification: Replacement factors and fleet size prediction." Authors: Kareem Othman, Sarah Hamed, Diego Silva, Amer Shalaby and Baher Abdulhai This study develops prediction models to estimate the required Ebus fleet size to maintain same transit route services for the case of overnight depot charging, using data from Ebuses operating in the City of Toronto. The analysis reveals that Ebuses equipped with diesel auxiliary heaters are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations compared to battery-heated buses. Specifically, diesel-heated buses require a lower replacement factor (1.3) compared to battery-heated buses (1.4), with winter conditions exacerbating this disparity. Furthermore, the study employs vehicular, operational, route, and external variables to develop the prediction models. Check out our work at the link below: https://lnkd.in/g3Cu8hUE #ebus #tal #transit #ttc #toronto #uoft

9

The Center for Transportation and the Environment has just published a comprehensive guidebook to help transit agencies navigate the complexities of transitioning to a zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet. With practical, accessible advice, this guidebook outlines key considerations like range limitations, infrastructure needs, and workforce development, ensuring a smoother transition. A well-developed ZEB Transition Plan is crucial to avoid unnecessary costs, delays, and operational challenges as battery & fuel cell buses become an increasing part of the fleet. This guide is a must-read for transit agencies ready to take the next step toward a sustainable, zero-emission future. 🔗 https://hubs.la/Q02ZcBsP0 #ZeroEmission #FuelCellElectricBus #Hydrogen #PublicTransit #ZEB

9

The AAR Policy and Economics Department has released Rail Industry Overview, a new complimentary monthly report that offers “quick insights into what rail traffic says about today’s economy and where the data suggest it could be headed”: https://lnkd.in/etQRTmf5

1

The February 2024 round of the CPT Cost Monitor survey confirms the rate of increase in unit costs for bus operators slowed in the most recent twelve months, after two years of double-digit increases. It also shows that overall gross costs rose by 3.1% over the year to February 2024, in Great Britain outside London. Adjustment for inflation to December 2023 prices also suggests that over the period February 2023-24 there was a real terms fall in costs of 3.7%. The CPT Cost Monitor database now includes five sets of data collected twice a year since 2022. In this latest round, data was contributed by operators with a peak vehicle requirement of 21,000 so the survey is highly representative.  The full report (available to operators who contributed data) contains a wealth of information about industry costs and 48 pages of analysis - from operating costs per hour & kilometre to KPIs around fleet utilisation, fuel consumption, and staff productivity. A shorter report – looking at cost movements over time – provided for all members, local authorities and other stakeholders – is available here: https://bit.ly/4d3JqIy The information provided by the survey is used by the industry to inform discussions & negotiations regards funding, service levels and inflationary increases on contract prices. The database for collecting June 2024 data is now open and any operator wishing to contribute should please contact <[email protected]>

4

1 Comment

TRB Webinar: Transformational Technologies and Mobility Inclusion FREE! As transportation technology evolves and agencies adopt new mobility services to meet changing market demands, ensuring equitable access and transportation options for all populations is critical. The TCRP Research Report 244 & NCHRP Research Report 101: Transformational Technologies and Mobility Inclusion Playbook was developed to support organizations that want to provide safe, fair, and accessible transportation tailored to the needs of everyone in the community. TRB will host a webinar on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Eastern that will discuss the playbook, setting the stage for inclusive transportation as an integral component of the evolving transformative transportation ecosystem. This webinar is sponsored by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program and National Cooperative Highway Research Program. There is no fee to attend this webinar. Registration is required. A recording will be sent to all registrants after the webinar.   Webinar agenda and presenters Laying the foundation: Background research – Cecilia Viggiano, EBP US Playbook development: Structure and use of case scenarios – Polly Okunieff, GO Systems and Solutions LLC From theory to practice: Implementation considerations – Jim Cline, Texas A&M Transportation Institute Question and answer session moderated by Ipek N. Sener, Texas A&M Transportation Institute The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.   Learning Objectives At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Recognize current and anticipated barriers that pose challenges for underserved individuals to access and use new mobility services Develop actionable strategies to implement inclusive transportation solutions Utilize the Transformational Technologies and Mobility Inclusion Playbook to ensure inclusive transportation options tailored to the needs of underserved populations #TRB

2

BRT projects can contribute to enhanced #mobility by providing efficient, accessible and sustainable #transportation. HNTB's Sean Libberton and E. Gregory Thorpe, PE share insights on a collaborative program management approach that can streamline delivery to bring that vision to reality. https://bit.ly/3xM7eS5

124

1 Comment

An important article about the barriers that transport operators face when trying to transition to being "MaaS-ready", and being fully digital to enhance the rider experience while also providing better backend real-time insights for operators. This article was authored by Paulo Ferreira dos Santos, Founder and CEO at UbiRider even though Urban Transport News doesn't list him as the author. #MaaS #publictransportation #transit #publictransit #mobilityasaservice #transparency #thoughtleadership https://lnkd.in/gy4H5f5F

3

1 Comment

Check out useful resources on how to get started with Vissim and the more advanced how-to videos and webinars.

22

The questions of how many battery electric buses should replace diesel powered buses on a given route and what route characteristics influence the replacement factor are addressed in this paper. You can download your free copy at the link below.

59

4 Comments

Between now and 2030 (which in rail terms is not a very long time!), we’re expecting to see a three-and-a-half times increase in both mobile data volumes and the bandwidth needed to the train to keep pace with passenger demand. This means that train operators modeling for 2030 will require 3 gigabits per second and above. And, in fact, if you’re designing an onboard Wi-Fi system today, bearing in mind you’ll probably have to live with it for the next decade, it would be prudent to be designing for a 10 gigabit per second service. https://buff.ly/3Mfg3Yw #connectedjourney #passengerrail #transit

4

To my RR colleagues A comment or two A tool kit for testing alternatives Monetizes costs and benefits using birth suggested and/or user variables. It is NOT a prescribed plan for construction. It suggests different ways to test for how sharing risks and rewards can alter the investment outcome when and if choosing OCS technology. On corridors the user organization(s) select to consider. Yet, it is NOT an optimization model. It doesn’t pick a best choice. User interaction and thinking are required. I am one of the 4-authors. Cheers! Jim.

6

NASA and Transportation Alternatives study's top 3 recommendations to reduce heat risk for most vulnerable bus riders. 1. Install bus shelters with seating and countdown clocks at all high-priority bus stops. Where sidewalks are narrow, reclaim parking spaces to create a bus bulb-out with room for a bus shelter.  2. Plant trees around priority bus stops where possible under current guidelines. Where sidewalks are narrow, reclaim parking spaces to create a bus-bulbout with room for multiple trees or a parklet. 3. Convert high-priority bus routes into express car-free busways and camera-enforced bus lanes and expand transit-priority signaling to reduce wait times.

11

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the U.S. DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center have released the "Strategic Transit Automation Research Plan 2.0: 2023-2028," outlining the future of transit bus automation. This report highlights the significant advancements and ongoing efforts in driving automation systems for public transportation. Read the full report here: FTA Report No. 0264 - https://lnkd.in/gvPF5-VF We are proud to see Perrone Robotics referenced in the report, reflecting our active role in various innovative projects aimed at enhancing transit services with automated vehicle technologies. #TransitAutomation #AutonomousVehicles #PublicTransportation #Innovation

6

🚂 US Railroads Poised for Growth Amid Improved Service and Resiliency   Analysts at the RailTrends conference report that U.S. Class I railroads have significantly improved their service and resiliency, positioning them for potential volume growth. Despite challenges such as international container surges and natural disasters, railroads like BNSF, Union Pacific, CSX, and Norfolk Southern have demonstrated robust operational performance. Improvements in train speeds, dwell times, and overall service consistency have been noted, with intermodal volumes growing by 10% this year. Analysts believe these advancements could help railroads capture more freight volume, reversing years of decline in certain sectors.   At John S. James Co., we understand the importance of reliable transportation and logistics services. Our expertise in customs brokerage and freight forwarding ensures your cargo moves efficiently through any disruptions. Trust us to manage your logistics needs with precision and care. Visit johnsjames.com to learn more about our comprehensive services.   #Railroads #FreightForwarding #CustomsBrokerage #Logistics #SupplyChain #JohnSJamesCo #Intermodal #BNSF #UnionPacific #CSX #NorfolkSouthern #RailTrends #Transportation #USRail #VolumeGrowth #ServiceImprovement #Resiliency #TradeCompliance #ShippingIndustry #GlobalTrade #RailIndustry

2

🚆 California Awards $1.3 Billion in Transit and Intercity Rail Funding! 🚆 In a big boost for California's transportation infrastructure, the state has awarded $1.3 billion in funding through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). This funding is set to support projects across transit and rail systems, aimed at improving connectivity, sustainability, and accessibility throughout California. Some of the major goals for this investment include: 🌍 Reducing Emissions: By enhancing public transit, California is making strides toward its climate goals, helping to reduce congestion and emissions. 🏙️ Expanding Access: New transit routes and intercity rail improvements will provide better access for residents across urban and rural areas. 🔧 Modernising Infrastructure: With aging transit infrastructure, this funding is crucial for upgrading systems to meet current and future demands. At NEO International, we see this as a transformative step forward for rail and transit infrastructure in the U.S., and we’re excited to support businesses involved in these projects. Through NEO Construct and NEO Mission Critical, we connect skilled professionals with the projects that will shape the future of sustainable transportation. This investment is not only a win for California but also a signal of the growing importance of sustainable and resilient infrastructure across the nation. We’re ready to help power these changes by delivering the talent that makes it all possible. 💬 Interested in learning more about how NEO International can support your infrastructure projects? Let’s connect and discuss how we can bring the right expertise to your team. #Transit #Infrastructure #Rail #California #SustainableTransportation #NEOConstruct #NEOMissionCritical #TalentAcquisition #GreenJobs #FutureOfTransportation #NEOInternational #PositivelyImpactingPeople

3

Our highway system is publicly-owned, as are our aviation and port systems: both allowing private sector operators to use the system. This report poses an interesting question. Why isn't the USA's rail system publicly-owned and (if it were) what mobility benefits would we accrue. Agree or disagree, this is a report worth reading and considering.

6

1 Comment

Recent discussions highlight differing perspectives on railway safety in the U.S. While lawmakers express concerns about deteriorating safety due to neglect of critical measures, the rail industry argues that safety is improving based on data from the Federal Railroad Administration.    The reality likely lies somewhere in between. While there have been significant safety gains in the past, recent years may have seen stagnation or even deterioration. This underscores the importance of ongoing investments in railway safety, including improvements to rail crossings, emergency response procedures, and training. Trilogical's RailBlazer railcar telematics effectively tackles critical safety concerns by mitigating track usage conflicts and alerting to potential train shifts at occupied crossings. This is achieved through the provision of trainset length data and unparalleled location precision of up to 5 feet. Additionally, RailBlazer's ability to monitor railcars' condition and health enables realtime safety alerts on issues such as excessive impact, overload, brake malfunctions, critical failures in wheels/bearings, and end-of-train events. These alerts are instantly transmitted to both the driver and the control center using Trilogical's proprietary Connected Railcars technology, without dependency on cellular coverage. Stay tuned for more updates on RailBlazer as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation in railway safety.  #railfreight #realtimeanalytics #saferailtransport #railinnovation #railblazer #digitalrail 

6

U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition unveils roadmap with guidance on how to launch high-speed rail project June 17, 2024 The first-of-its-kind action plan is intended to equip advocates with practical tips, realistic expectations and strategic support as they work to launch new high-speed train projects in their regions. The U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition unveiled a roadmap with guidance on how to launch a high-speed rail project. The first-of-its-kind action plan is intended to equip advocates with practical tips, realistic expectations and strategic support as they work to launch new high-speed train projects in their regions.  “High-speed rail lines are complex megaprojects with unique challenges,” said Bernard Cohen, senior advisor for planning and operations at Alternate Concepts Inc., as well as former Massachusetts Department of Transportation secretary and the principal author of the roadmap. “We’ve created a practical guide that demystifies what’s involved in launching a new high-speed rail project.”  The report, “High-Speed Rail Projection Initiation: A Roadmap for Advocates”, focuses on five key building blocks of success:   Organization   Technical planning   Strategic engagement   Project funding   Compelling communications  The report argues that long-term, strategic advocacy campaigns are required to launch new high-speed projects. When designing campaigns, advocates must be fully aware of potential pitfalls, as well as likely sources of support and opposition.    The roadmap notes that a recent survey by Public Policy Polling for the Coalition found that 72 percent of U.S. registered voters support the creation of a nationwide high-speed rail network in the U.S. According to Ezra Silk, political director of the U.S. High-Speed Rail Coalition, a major goal of the report is to help build a grassroots movement for a national high-speed rail network.  “Launching high-speed rail involves technical experts but you don’t need to be a transportation planner to take the lead in bringing high-speed rail to your community,” Silk said. “Millions of Americans want high-speed rail and this report will help give them the tools they need to turn their bullet train dreams into reality.”  The roadmap was designed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. In May, the 600,000-member union announced a voluntary recognition agreement with Siemens Mobility to represent workers who will build the trainsets for the Brightline West high-speed rail project that will connect Las Vegas, Nev., to southern California by 2028. 

1

Strategic investments in North America's rail infrastructure aim to boost capacity and efficiency across the network. Learn about the new initiatives and collaborations shaping the future of rail transportation: https://lnkd.in/eYNYMbsX #RailInvestment #Transportation

2