Transporation Daily News 2/4

San Francisco transportation officials are eyeing an experimental overhaul along the Mission Street corridor that could serve as a prototype for improving Muni systemwide. Among proposed changes are adjusting schedules, allowing riders to enter the buses through the back doors, setting aside transit-only lanes for buses, and ensuring there are enough drivers and buses to make all the scheduled runs. SF Chronicle 2/04/08

 

Oakland will join in a lawsuit against the owners and operators of the Cosco Busan container ship — if the City Council gives its approval Tuesday. Oakland's bayshore wasn't hit as hard as areas in San Francisco and other communities, but cleanup efforts did cost the city about $26,000, according to a report prepared for the council by City Attorney John Russo's office. Alameda Times-Star 2/01/08

 

U.S. ports are among the biggest sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in their cities, and progress toward reducing harmful emissions has been slow, according to a new research study conducted by Energy Futures, Inc. Titled "U.S. Container Ports and Air Pollution: a Perfect Storm," the report on the study presents findings of a 10-month effort in 2007 that assessed air pollution control efforts at America's top 10 container ports, including Oakland and Long Beach. Among its findings, the study concluded that the best way to lower air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and diversify fuel supply at U.S. container ports is to use alternative fuels or advanced technologies to replace diesel. PR Inside 2/04/08

 

According to Douglas A. Tilden, CEO of Ports Group America, it is almost inevitable that some of the projected surge in Asian cargo volume over the next decade will begin flowing through ports in Mexico and Canada, skirting California.  "Overall, I think we've lost the political will to build new port capacity and the rail and highway infrastructure which must go with it," he said. Logistics Management 2/04/08

 

A legislative panel will host a special hearing in Benicia on Thursday for state officials to discuss the removal of decaying WWII warships and federal cargo vessels that make up the so-called "Mothball Fleet" anchored in Suisun Bay. State water and environmental agencies are embroiled in a debate with the federal government on how and when to haul the fleet's 74 ships out of the bay. Federal documents show more than 21 tons of metal, including some toxic substances, have fallen into the water as paint peels away after decades of neglect. Times-Herald 2/03/08

 

Cruise-ship wastewater often exceeds federal water quality and discharge standards at the point it's released, according to a recent federal government draft report that environmental groups have been seeking for nearly eight years. On a separate front, the EPA is battling in federal appeals court in California to overturn a ruling that would clamp additional regulations on cruise ships and other vessels. Miami Herald 2/04/08

 

Caltrain is one of the only commuter rail systems in the United States that has designated bike cars.  In the last four years, Caltrain's daily ridership has jumped by 30 percent and trains at rush hour are becoming much more crowded. Many bikers now have trouble finding space on trains and are disappointed with the new rail cars. With the current budget deficit, Caltrain does not have the funds to buy new rail cars or to lose rush hour passengers by removing seats. Wired 2/04/08