Louis Pappas

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.

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🚍 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

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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

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🚆 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

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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

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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. 

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"Weekend ridership is off the charts." There's an important lesson here for commuter rail systems (like SunRail!) and all transit agencies. Ridership growth exists outside the old M-F/9-5 commuter base. Transit must evolve to meet post-pandemic transportation demand, which includes mid-day, late night, and weekend trips. https://lnkd.in/eeJ5AJxu

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Next in my clean transportation finance series as part of New York Climate Week 2024 is a unique method I developed to overcome a critical barrier facing Battery-Electric Truck (BET) financing: residual value benchmarking. A historic lack of BET-resale price data has resulted in lenders making the conservative assumption that a BET’s residual value (RV) will fall to nearly zero early in its financing term, making financing unaffordable. Instead of looking at used vehicle resale prices, I assessed BET residual values by modeling used component valuation. When applied to a typical Class 8 BET, my model shows a strong RV outlook competitive with the RV outlook that lenders make when financing diesel trucks. https://lnkd.in/ezeEDzPz Are you an investor, lender or equipment finance broker looking to learn more about the clean transportation sector? Are you a zero-emissions vehicle company or dealership with unique data to share to amplify market acceleration efforts? Let's get in touch. [Post 2 of a 3-part series] Benjamin Mandel Mary Jo W. Bill Van Amburg Julia Grinshpun Richard Burr Tweedy Kaitlin Butler Cara Merriman Jacqueline (Bruns) Torres Jon Stafford, CMA, CAFM Vincent Riscica Bruce Tuter Patrick Toppin Nadia El Mallakh #newyorkclimateweek #cleantransportation #sustainablefinance #greenfinance #zeroemissionstrucks #equipmentfinance [Views expressed on social media are my own and do not represent any organization]

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“The economy and public life thrives with mass #transportation, and I think others who are going to help us solve this are fully aware of the need to find a way to support our needs.” 👉 https://lnkd.in/d_zurgXu MBTA #urbanmobility #transit #publictransport

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📣 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - New ATRI Research Identifies Strategies for Mitigating Women Truck Driver Challenges 📣 The American Transportation Research Institute today released new research identifying approaches to increase the number of #WomenTruckDrivers entering and staying in the industry. After quantifying six key challenge areas facing women truck drivers, the research lays out an action plan for the industry – with discrete steps for motor carriers, truck driver training schools and truck drivers – all designed to make trucking careers more attractive to women. This research was identified by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee in March of 2023 as a top priority to help further understand the challenges women drivers encounter. The research then promulgates specific strategies that the industry can implement to increase the relatively small number of women in trucking. Among the challenges identified in ATRI’s research were industry image and perception, training school completion, truck parking shortages and restroom access, and gender harassment and discrimination. Read more on ATRI's website here - https://lnkd.in/e2yCd2Xj #TruckingResearch

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"The US is experiencing a critical influx of capital into public transit... the industry is now racing to catch up. However, this urgency has led to inefficiencies and waste in the procurement of rolling stock and infrastructure development." — Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, President of Icomera North America In the US, many agencies have deferred asset renewal for decades, and now face significant gaps in current knowledge and experience for procuring new products and technologies. At the American Public Transportation Association Rail Conference, we sat down with Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, President of Icomera North America, to explore strategies for maximizing the impact of modern-day investments in rail. Read the interview here: https://lnkd.in/e4Eae4Hp #Rail #USA #APTA #Icomera #Investment

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Renae Reynolds, just published a powerful piece in Vital City laying out a clear message: without a serious overhaul of our bus network, New York City's public transit system will fail its most riders. ◦Buses are the backbone of transportation for many New Yorkers, especially those in transit deserts, yet slow speeds, inconsistent service, and outdated infrastructure are letting our communities down. ◦Her solutions are simple and within reach: more dedicated bus lanes, all-door boarding, an accelerated transition to electric buses, and a complete redesign of our bus routes to match today’s needs. It’s time we give buses the attention they deserve to reduce inequality and make our city more accessible. ◦◦Read her compelling call to action here: https://lnkd.in/e8Msc-VV #BetterBuses #NYCTransit #TransitEquity #PublicTransportation #SustainableCities

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Today's Mobility Digest headline: FTA publishes climate resilience guidebook for transit agencies. https://lnkd.in/eCs4mGqj ------------ At GTS, we're passionate about staying up-to-date on the latest news and developments in transportation technology, smart mobility, and safety. 🚝 🛴 🚲 🚶‍♀️ 🚗 Follow GTS - General Technologies and Solutions for more content like this. #SmartTransportationStartsHere

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Sadek Wahba, I would imagine you would agree that this is the same frustration President Eisenhower, Lucius Clay, Steven Bechtel, Sloan Colt, and Frank Turner faced in the 1950s trying to convince the nation that Interstate Highways would transform the United States and provide $billions in economic commerce and protect our national sovereignty. Curious Richard Mudge, what value do these highways have on our nation? Texas, the State of the Future, knows Logistics moves the world, and INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE will refactor the North American Supply Chain - Canada - USA - Texas - Mexico. https://lnkd.in/gCiDhbzk Infrastructure investors and the Federal Infrastructure Bank (William T. Nolan) are mobilizing $billions in private capital to underwrite Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zones, Building a Stronger and More Connected Nation. https://lnkd.in/gWnJD877 INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE (the foundation of ARPA-I) will be the brains of our economy. Enabling solutions like Artificial Intelligence, Spatial Computing, Intelligent Transportation, Autonomous Systems, advanced city services, and, most importantly, securing data for people, cities, and governments. Ted Miller on Intelligent Infrastructure: https://lnkd.in/gZ2_7_rj William T. Nolan on Intelligent Infrastructure: https://lnkd.in/gxi38Cdg Texas SH130 is the nation's Route 66. https://lnkd.in/e5iwTNPR INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE is supercharging the $142.3 billion Texas Department of Transportation UTP buildout. Autonomy Institute Building the Infrastructure for the Next 100 Years. https://lnkd.in/gwv2pnXe #infrastructure #future #transportation #arpa-i #arpax #cybersecure #jobs #bank #digital #innovation #data #people #visionzero #continuumofcapital #dataexchange #partnerships #supplychains #digitaltwin #privacy #investment #p3programs

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Progress is good but our information ecosystem suggests otherwise. The headline from this Bloomberg article almost sounds like good news: "US Driving and Congestion Rates Are Higher Than Ever: After a reprieve from car traffic in 2020, vehicle miles traveled have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels in almost every metro area." Cities are back! People are traveling downtown again, more than they were pre-pandemic! And that's a bad thing, apparently. The article describes this as "a worrying trend for advocates working to reform transportation, the largest contributor to US carbon emissions". Further, the study that shows this increase "does not give us the data we need to validate whether VMT and VMT per capita is correlated with metropolitan economic growth". This story is only the latest example of how, in a clickbait economy, everything must be framed as bad news. During the pandemic, we talked incessantly about the urban doom loop: no one would come to cities anymore! Businesses would close and property values decline, spurring even less travel, and so on. It seems we avoided that danger! And if people are choosing to come downtown by car, well then, we need to get to work to make them WANT to come by other means: better transit, more bike lanes, the works. But at least now we know they DO want what we're selling, namely urban life! Next week's issue of my newsletter, Changing Lanes (https://lnkd.in/g-wVHyRJ) will be about progress, and why it's important. You might think that's so obvious as to not be worth saying... but articles like this one from Bloomberg help to illustrate why progress needs defenders.

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ALERT to my RR freight colleagues… California (and other) political proponents NOW HAVE access to a University of Texas complex modeling tool upon which to test their RR FREIGHT DECARBON CONCEPT PLANS as to the investments hurdles and alternate outcomes of substituting different locomotive POWERED fuel sources. Addressing the question — how much cost? For which specific public benefit as well as private benefits — … YES. A tool that monetizes the potential outcomes of deploying very different technology solutions. Then, figuring out according to the project risks — how to share in the CAPEX check writing. Keep your eye out for the University of Texas simulation model and deep dive report text. On RR FREIGHT ELECTRIFICATION. Now delivered and under review at the FRA in Washington. Are you ready for some serious economic/engineering risk-reward dialogue and numbers crunching California? If you are: then the next step is an interview with Tyler Dick and Mike Iden — and Rydell Whittall. They are three of the four authors. It’s time to pick their brains. Figure out the possible investment options outcomes — before finalizing regulations you might later regret. Use the science. Cheers! Jim Blaze. The prileged to have participated 4th author

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Another great piece on how anyone can affordably, safely convert any bike to an E-bike with a UL certified system: "E-bikes are having a moment. Last year, 18 percent of all bike sales in the United States were electric, roughly 1 million bikes. E-bikes’ ease, range and power make them an ideal replacement for car trips: A 2023 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado found e-bike trips substituted for cars 34 percent of the time, and at a fraction of the cost, for low-income residents who received one. A 20-mile daily workday commute on an e-bike costs about $20 annually in electricity." But the price of e-bikes remains out of reach for many. They start at around $1,000 and cargo bikes easily exceed $6,000." #equity #health #electrifyeverything https://lnkd.in/epQE8Ruy

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