Mass transit:
*Transit use soars - budget heads the other way -- Ridership on the nation's buses, trains and ferries is on pace to be the highest in 50 years, according to a report released Monday by the American Public Transportation Association. Public transit systems across the Bay Area also are dealing with a surge of new riders. The news comes as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposes taking hundreds of millions of dollars earmarked for BART, Muni, Caltrain and other agencies to help erase a $17.2 billion budget deficit. SF Chronicle 6/3/08
Skyrocketing gasoline prices force changes -- A record number of Americans are leaving their car keys at home, the American Public Transportation Assn. said Monday. Mass transit use was up nationally by 3.3% in the first quarter of 2008, building on 2007, when mass transit use nationwide reached a 50-year high, the Washington-based group said. Some experts attributed the increases in California to refinery problems. In addition, the state's refiners are making more diesel and aviation fuel -- reducing gasoline production -- to cash in on those more lucrative products. LA Times 6/3/08
Biggest US public transport fuel cell deal agreed in California 3rd June 2008 -- California-based AC Transit has announced that it has agreed to purchase a minimum of eight fuel cell-powered buses and hold the option for an additional 13, in what will be the biggest procurement of such vehicles for public transport ever seen in the United States.
Under the new deal, UTC Power of Connecticut will supply the company with its 120 kW PureMotion Model 120 fuel cell systems to power its planned fleet of next generation hybrid-electric buses. Platinum Today 6/3/08
Emissions:
Opinion: CARB diesel emission rule too costly – A new regulation would require that every diesel truck or bus operating in California meet a stringent new emissions standard. Although this regulation is still a work in progress, its impact is clear: In the next five years, every diesel truck and bus operating in California, regardless of the year it was manufactured, will be required to meet the new emission standard. Targeting older diesel vehicles is one thing, but to make a one-size-fits-all rule that even targets trucks less than 5 years old puts a heavy burden on businesses in California. SF Chronicle 6/3/08
PG&E pays to offset Democrats' carbon emissions -- California Democrats have recruited Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to offset carbon emissions related to the national party convention this summer. The state's largest utility will buy $8,440 worth of carbon credits that will come from a Northern California redwood forest. California's is the first Democratic delegation to announce such an arrangement as part of a national push by the Democratic Party to reduce or offset carbon output at its convention. SF Chronicle 6/3/08
*California Air Resources Board (ARB) Proposes New Air Quality Regulations On Public, Private And Contract Warehouses And Distribution Centers -- The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is circulating a draft regulation that would require heavy duty tractors and 53-foot box-type trailers to be equipped with devices that would reduce drag and rolling resistance in an effort to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Logistics Online 6/2/08
Infrastructure:
Nancy Pelosi Keynote Address at American Public Transportation Association Rail Conference in SF, supports HSR --“In Congress, it is our responsibility to protect the American people, grow our economy and create good paying jobs, strengthen America’s families, and preserve our planet and promote energy independence. All of these can be accomplished through rebuilding our infrastructure. In that regard, this November, voters in California will have a chance to vote to build high-speed rail, and bring to America a system enjoyed around the world. This investment will create good-paying jobs, boost the economy, relieve gridlock and congestion, and offer an environmentally friendly and economically viable transportation alternative.” All American Patriots 6/3/08
*Eight Ballot Measures Already Lined up for November California Ballot -- The first seven propositions to qualify for the November ballot were a high-speed rail bond, a measure relating to the treatment of farm animals, a children’s hospital bond, a parental notification for abortion measure, a measure involving the sentencing of nonviolent offenders, a measure regarding increased criminal penalties and public safety funding, and a renewable energy measure. California Progress Report 6/3/08
*SAN FRANCISCO'S BUDGET - Transit and street repair -- The mayor wants to spend more money on Muni service and San Francisco's crumbling roads. Fee increases, mostly for a variety of parking violations, would rise to help pay for the Muni improvements. Highlights: -- The Municipal Transportation Agency budget would increase by $97 million to more than $783 million. SF Chronicle 6/3/08
Tourism:
*California's overseas tourism returns to pre-9/11 levels -- For the first time since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, California attracted more than 5 million overseas travelers, according to a report by the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries released Tuesday. About 5.2 million overseas travelers visited the state in 2007, a 12.4 percent increase from 4.6 million in 2006. California's market share of the total U.S. overseas travel inched up from 21.3 percent to 21.7 percent. Triangle Business Journal 6/3/08
US Office of Travel & Tourism Announced 2007 Visitation Data -- In one of its earliest releases ever, the U.S. Department of Commerce announces the top states, cities, and territories benefiting from overseas travelers to the United States. In 2007, overseas arrivals to the United States posted a 10 percent growth rate. For the sixth straight year New York State was the top destination visited by these overseas travelers. California held the second position. Focus on Travel 6/2/08
Air travel:
Economic woes affect Oakland airport -- The sluggish economy is taking its toll on the Oakland airport. It's number two on the list of large U.S. airports with big losses, second only to Honolulu. It's owned and operated by the port of Oakland which says staff cuts are a certainty. ABC 6/2/08
Shipping:
Fuel cost may hurt farmers markets -- As five area farmers markets open this week, the high cost of fuel has created uncertainty over the price of fresh produce. Ann Louhela, president of the Nevada Certified Farmers Market Association, said the cost of fuel has sparked fears that California growers won't drive hundreds of miles to sell their goods at Northern Nevada markets. Reno Gazette Journal 6/3/08
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