Category Archives: transportation

Biden Administration Prevents Nationwide Rail Shutdown

Once again the  President appears to have out-foxed unwitting Republican obstructionists. In response to a question about paid sick leave, he said, “As soon as I can convince our Republicans to see the light.” Thereby once again using success to highlight opposition policy failures.

Biden also took the opportunity to reiterate the economic progress the Administration continues to make after the unending disasters and corruption of the previous Republican Administration. Republicans were thumped in the mid-term elections of course. Continue reading

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Honda Motor Reveals Next Gen Automated Driving Technology

Honda says the real goal is for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050. Continue reading

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Auto, Other Industries Pushing for Rail Strike Intervention. Biden Asking for Action from Do Nothing Senate Republicans

President Biden: “Let me say that again: without action this week, disruptions to our auto supply chains, our ability to move food to tables, and our ability to remove hazardous waste from gasoline refineries will begin. The Senate must move quickly and send a bill to my desk for my signature immediately.” Continue reading

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DOT Imposes Millions in Airline Fines for Cancellations. Paltry Penalties for an Abundance of Abuses

In a mumbled ‘two cheers for US flag carriers,’ only one of the airlines fined – Frontier – is a US airline. Collectively, the airlines were only fined $7.25 million in total much to the dismay of the many consumer groups critical of airline practices. Frontier at a $2.2 million penalty paid the largest fine. Continue reading

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Chinese Government Intelligence Officer Sentenced to Prison

Yanjun Xu, 42, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to court documents, Xu targeted American aviation companies, recruited employees to travel to China, and solicited their proprietary information, all on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Justice Department and the FBI of course are involved in other grave national security matters that if indictments come won’t require extradition of the alleged offender and co-conspirators from Mir-a-Lago. Continue reading

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EPA Proposes an Endangerment Finding for Aircraft Engines Still Running on Leaded Fuel

The US Environmental Protection Agency today announced a proposed determination that emissions of lead* from aircraft that operate on leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare.  Under the … Continue reading

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FAA Publishes Guidelines for Vertiports

The design standards are a critical step for the  guidance of airport owners, operators and infrastructure builders or developers to begin designing facilities that will support operations of AAM aircraft that are electrically powered and take-off and land vertically – either at ground level or on top of structures. Continue reading

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Hertz and GM Plot Major EV Rental Expansion

Hertz said it is investing to create the largest rental fleet of EVs in North America, with tens of thousands of EVs available for rent at 500 Hertz locations across 38 states. The company’s current goal is for one-quarter of its fleet to be electric by the end of 2024. Continue reading

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An Idea Whose Time has Come – Smart Infrastructure

The SMART Grants Program  – the latest example of how government can effect change for its people – comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden on 15 November 2021. The Infrastructure law – almost universally opposed by the Republican party, whose members are still trying to overturn the last election while endorsing political violence – will offer up to $100 million in grants annually over the next five years. It will fund projects that use data and technology to solve real-world challenges facing communities today, the Administration said in a release. Continue reading

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CARB: Small E-Fleet Project Spurs Shift to Electric Trucks

“There are quite a few options in terms of equipment, financing, and planning assistance that fleets can take advantage of in pursuing adoption of electric vehicles. The key first step is showing them they have a resource to help them take advantage of those options,” said Niki Okuk, deputy director of CALSTART Trucks and Off Road. Continue reading

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Air Travel Consumer Complaints Up 2.7X Pre-Pandemic levels

DOT uses the data from the ATCR, consumer complaints, and other information it secures from the airlines to inform its enforcement activities and the adequacy of existing rules. Judging by DOT’s own data, clearly its so-called rules from its Office of Aviation Consumer Protection are ineffective to laughable in AutoInformed’s view. However if you are in the automobile business, it’s an incentive to use vehicles for your transportation needs. Free marketing from the Airline industry and the US Government. Continue reading

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CARB Shows Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program

The progressive public health program is the first in the nation of its kind and will ensure that emissions control systems on heavy-duty vehicles operate effectively for the life of the vehicle, improving air quality and protecting public health. The HD I/M program will apply to all heavy-duty trucks, buses, agricultural equipment and personal motor-homes with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 pounds traveling in the state regardless of whether they are registered in California. Continue reading

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Pro Consumer Milestones: California Mandates 100% Zero Emissions Vehicles by 2035. More States Certain to Follow

The CARB regulation codifies the light-duty vehicle goals set out in Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-79-20. Transportation is responsible for ~50% of greenhouse gas emissions (when accounting for fuel production emissions) and 80% of air pollutants in California. States that now follow California’s vehicle rules are expected to adopt these regulations through their rulemakings. These states constitute ~40% of the nation’s new car sales.* Continue reading

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DOJ Thwarts Chinese Takeover of Shipping Containers

It’s the latest example of the effective use of Industrial Policy for widespread and long-term consumer and business benefits that virtually all Republicans renounce in favor of policies that only benefit the wealthy, with accompanying tax-payer financed handouts, checks, tax policy and other aspects of a Republican welfare state run solely for the rich.  Continue reading

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US Gets Warrant to Seize Russian Oligarch Airbus

It’s just the latest example of successful maneuvering by the ‘get tough on criminals’ Biden Administration – “Russia, if you’re listening” which, critics note, is in stark contrast to the former administration’s pandering to Russia and its state sanctioned hackers. Russia are you listening now? Continue reading

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