The tone was resolutely engaging and the crowd listening to this speech meant business, big infrastructure development business. Most experts agree Mr Mineta want to help the American transports industry as well as the already stressed out commuters, especially in dense urban areas.

“Thank you very, very much everybody. I appreciate it. I want to thank my very, very good friend, Tom Donohue, for that kind and wonderful introduction. Tom and I have been friends for some 30 years. My wife Deni and I very much appreciate our friendship with Tom and Liz and I, especially, am grateful for Tom’s advice. And my thanks to Tom and to the members of the United States Chamber of Commerce for everything that you do to keep our economy strong and vibrant.

Today, I come full circle. I delivered my first policy address as the United States Secretary of Transportation to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in February 2001. Now, I return to make the final speech of my tenure as the Secretary of Transportation. In a broader sense, I leave my public service career as I began it four decades ago – as a passionate believer in the power of transportation to build prosperity and to improve the quality of our lives.

I am grateful to President Bush. He reached across party lines to give me the high honor and privilege of serving in his cabinet, to guide the transportation policies of this great Nation. And I am proud of all that has been accomplished working as part of a tremendous team.

There is much talk of the bitter partisanship that coarsens the political dialogue here in Washington, D.C., and seems to stymie effective action. But I would like to believe that we have shown – at least in some small measure – that it is still possible to place country ahead of party affiliation, in the noble tradition that defines public service at its best.

Our transportation system today is at a critical juncture that cries out for such bipartisanship – or, more accurately, for statesmanship. And while we have laid important legislative and policy foundations over the last five-and-a-half years, continued progress requires facing some basic truths.

The first is that the modern economy – and by extension, our transportation systems – are global in nature.

When I began my public service career many years ago, trade with the rest of the world represented a very small percentage of the United States’ overall economic activity. For sure, certain international markets were heavily developed. But, by and large, American prosperity was determined by what Americans bought from and sold to each other.

Today, international trade is propelling the American economy – and the world economy – in ways previously unimaginable.

The United States has the strongest, fastest growing economy in the developed world because we have some of the world’s strongest transportation systems. But we will lose that competitive edge if we make a habit out of turning our noses up at investors in our seaports, airports, and highways just because they are headquartered outside the United States.

Security is, and must always remain, a foremost concern. But it is pure folly to think that economic isolationism is an option in today’s interconnected world.

Around the globe, I find a growing recognition among my counterparts that the development of transportation systems has become a major determinant of a nation’s economic success. And while the rest of the world is building up its infrastructure, the United States can ill-afford to close the door on much-needed investments – even international investments – in our transportation network. Not when our economic competitiveness depends on our ability to move products and people more efficiently in our growing economy.

Our growing international linkages compel us to face a second transportation truth: Americans must be concerned with the safety of not just our own, but of the world’s transportation systems.

With our unprecedented focus over the past five-and-a-half years, the United States has gained important momentum when it comes to safety on our roadways, along our tracks and at railway crossings, and in our skies.

But the recent series of airplane crashes around the globe stands as a tragic reminder that a weak link in aviation safety, anywhere, reverberates throughout the international aviation community and the global economy.

And the mounting traffic deaths on the world’s roadways can only be described as a public health crisis of epidemic proportions. Each year, more than 1.2 million members of our world family lose their lives – and tens of millions of others are injured or disabled – as a result of road traffic crashes. In addition to the sobering toll on humankind, the economic costs are a staggering $518 billion a year.

If we do nothing, the World Health Organization projects that, by the year 2020, traffic crashes will run ahead of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS among all contributors to the global health burden.

But, as we have shown here in the United States, we have the power to change that grim future. Traffic crashes are among the most clearly preventable causes of death in the world. And government leaders – as well as every company doing business overseas – have a moral obligation to ensure that there is no easing up on the safety throttle.

Just as morbidity should not be accepted as the price of mobility, so too must Americans reject the unhealthy notion that congestion is a fact of life and that they must learn to live with growing gridlock and an unreliable transportation system.

We can and we must address the congestion that is so pervasive in today’s America before it seriously undermines our economic competitiveness and quality of life. Nationwide, the economic price tag of congestion is already a whopping $200 billion a year, not to mention the largely unmeasured social costs when parents leave for work at dawn, only to get home just as their children are about ready to go to bed.

But we do not have to resign ourselves to live with congestion. To the contrary, a little over a month ago, I announced a plan that can begin to seriously reduce traffic congestion nationwide – now, and not ten or fifteen years down the road – if we have the leadership and political will at all levels of government to see it through.

Some of what we have suggested will be controversial. It will necessitate a cultural change to move from a government-monopoly model for much of our transportation infrastructure toward acceptance of the private sector and market forces.

If we can fix the policy problems, I am confident that the conditions will be ripe for substantial investment. Virtually every major financial institution on Wall Street has created – or is in the process of creating – an infrastructure fund with transportation as a major component.

They correctly recognize the enormous potential in American infrastructure. And it is imperative that future transportation decision-makers continue to foster this interest, not take steps to discourage it.

History may very well reflect back on this as one of the defining public policy debates of our time – as consequential as the one that gave birth to the Interstate Highway System some fifty years ago. And the business community must be active participants.

Finding a way to tackle congestion more meaningfully and successfully is not a problem for some future generation. It is an urgent challenge for today’s leaders.

And the risks of inaction are magnified when one recognizes this final transportation truth: Our transportation systems are lifelines in times of emergency.

We saw these lifelines in action in the aftermath of the horrific attacks of September 11th, 2001, and again during the hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast this last year.

Whether an emergency is caused by a deliberate act of terrorism or results from a natural disaster or a health care crisis such as avian flu, we must be able to depend on our transportation systems to evacuate people in need, to move critical supplies and emergency workers, and to provide essential resources rapidly into affected areas.

It is no coincidence that terrorists target our transportations systems. They are the heart of modern societies and modern economies. And I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to help strengthen the heartbeat of America’s transportation network during the first half-decade of the 21st Century.

Let me conclude by gratefully acknowledging the support that I received from President Bush and Vice President Cheney, for whom I have the utmost respect. And the wise counsel, advice, and assistance that I have received from the United States Chamber of Commerce and Tom Donohue, from across the transportation community, and from the highly competent and dedicated staff at the United States Department of Transportation.

Travel safely. May God bless each and every one of you. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.”

Tags: transportation, 21st century, transport, us, infrastructure, highways, airlines

Last month, in West Sacramento, President Bush visited the California Fuel Cell Partnership headquarters to learn about the progress of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

During his visit, the President toured the solar-powered facility including CaFCP’s hydrogen station and a vehicle service bay — one of eight — to see the work that goes on a daily basis. He also saw fuel cell vehicles produced by eight auto manufacturers and two fuel cell buses.

At the conclusion of the tour, President Bush spoke about advanced transportation technology to an audience comprised of CaFCP members and White House guests. Here are short excerpts:

“I strongly believe hydrogen is the fuel of the future. That’s what we’re talking about,” the President stated during his speech. “Hydrogen is used in a fuel cell that can power a car that uses no gasoline, produces no pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen vehicles can be twice as efficient as gasoline vehicles. Hydrogen is clean; hydrogen is domestically produced; and hydrogen is the wave of the future. And the people here at the California Fuel Cell Partnership understand that.”

To this day, a total of 134 fuel cell passenger vehicles and 9 fuel cell buses have been placed on California’s roads. They fuel at the 22 hydrogen stations located in major metropolitan areas, across California.

These vehicles are powered by electricity produced onboard by fuel cells that combine hydrogen fuel with oxygen from air. Their only tailpipe emission is water. This truly represents an alternative for the future of transport.

Founded during Earth Week seven years ago, the California Fuel Cell Partnership is a collaboration of 31 member organizations working together to promote the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

CaFCP members include automotive manufacturers, energy providers, government agencies, fuel cell technology companies and transit agencies. Through collaboration, the members share learnings, develop common practices and prepare the California market for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

CaFCP is committed to promoting fuel cell vehicle commercialization as a means of moving toward a sustainable energy future, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing or eliminating air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The official CaCFP press release has a few more details and you can also read President Bush’s exact words during his speech about advanced transportation technology, in the State of California.

Tags: hydrogen, green cars, california, pollution, greenhouse gas, emissions, transportation

Moving things around the world or around the block just got pricier and any new gas alternative out there will suddenly become a lot more interesting. That’s exactly how the US Department of Energy sees things. The spirit of their initiatives go something like “If it can be built, then let’s promote it… and perhaps even celebrate it.”

You should bookmark their Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy information web site for extensive reviews of technologies that apply to the T&L industry in part but may have significant impacts on several fronts on your business operations, such as:

• Biomass
• Building Technologies
• Distributed Energy
• Vehicle Technologies
• Geothermal Technologies
• Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Infrastructure Technologies (Must Read)
• Industrial Technologies
• Solar Technologies
• Weatherization
• Wind and Hydropower

But that’s not all, the EERE operates the US Government’s Fuel Economy web site, dedicated mainly to consumer vehicles, which also apply to many commercial fleets. Many engaging themes are available, such as: gasoline prices, gas mileage tips, hybrid vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and energy efficiency. The Fast Fuel Cost Calculator can also come in handy to see how much fuel efficient cars can save you and your company, over the course of several years of operation.

If you’re a fan of ethanol, the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s interactive Ethanol E85 map quickly shows where you can find refueling stations across the United States. Minnesota seems to have the lead, for now!

As expected, there’s a lot of activity going on for altertive fuels applied to consumer vehicles. Battery powered city buses and such have been successfully deployed but it’ll be a few years before you can replace your current fleet of large vans for alternative fuel equivalents. That’s fine because consumer vehicle progresses can often serve as tangible inspiration to companies who serve the transports and logistics operators.

Let’s not get overly enthusiastic. After all, commercial transportation is all about performance. Heavier loads, shorter delays. Nowadays, only fossil fuel can deliver in the face of such demanding standards. Even if you dream about going to your local Peterbilt truck shop to order a hydrogen fuel powered model, it’s just not possible.

So why should you care about all that’s going on in the consumer market?

Because the progress is real, on almost every front.

Never in recent history have we been closer to getting our hands on fully functional altertive energy cars that perform as well, if not better, than current gasoline comparables. Almost all auto makers are actively building tomorrow’s technology today and some models can help you save the environment, even if it’s in a small way, at first.

If you would like to know more about how you can “green up” your company’s vehicles and operations, you can also visit the US Environmental Protection Agency to get a bigger picture of how fuel economy fits in a greener future scenario.

For now, all eyes are on “alternative” solutions!

Tags: alternative fuels, greener cars, epa, hydrogen fuel, fossil fuel, transportation, economy

Over time, it’s only normal that your memory should be freshned up a bit and to that end, what better way to review the latest road safety tips than visiting the following, finely crafted, governmental web sites.

UK Department for Transport
THINK! Road Safety

Transport Canada
Road Safety – Hot Topics

Road and Traffic Authority, NSW
Australian Road Safety

US Department of Transport
General Safety Information
Road Safety overseas (very useful)

EUROPA – European Commission
Road Safety Action Programme

Overall, the message is clear: follow the regulation, think before you take to the road and use your good judgement, especially when driving a large truck. From country to country, the challenges are similar. Excessive speed, lack of judgment, health problems (including alcohol and drugs) mixed with the all too frequent failure to observe basic road regulations have claimed way too many lives in the past years.

Governments have taken a strong stand against road-related deaths and these web sites will help you make sure you or someone around you isn’t one of them.

These online road safety information repositories are also quite useful if you need to follow the latest driving regulations. You may want to bookmark their new feeds for quick access.

Keep in mind that driving in densely populated areas, like Singapore, means you’ll have to deal with countless pedestrians. To make each run downtown a little safer, perhaps reminding yourself of some basic road safety advice for pedestrians could prove useful.

Knowledge is power, on the road and off!

Tags: road safety, safety advice, pedestrians, cars, regulations, good judgement, transportation

The following major web pages at DOT are entirely dedicated to freight transportation on the American territory:

• Framework for a National Freight Policy
• National Freight Statistics and Maps
• Freight Information by State
• National Freight Data Sources

• Freight at the Bureau of Transportation Statistics
• Freight at the National Transportation Library
• Freight Analysis, Professional Development, Intermodal Technology, and SAFETEA-LU Freight Programs at the Federal Highway Administration
• Freight Planning at the Federal Highway Administration
• Freight at the Federal Railroad Administration

• The Transportation of Hazardous Materials
• Pipeline Safety

If you feel these links don’t answer all your freight-related questions, you can write to the US Department of Transportation using this freight-specific e-mail address: freight@dot.gov.

Tags: freight, transportation, us, dot, safety, hazmat, highways, railroads, american, agencies

The following link collection is inspired by the one made available by the US Federal Highway Administration and are intended to be a quick reference you can easily access.

Individual US States information:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington State Washington, D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

National information links related to various themes.

Construction related:

• Rand McNally Construction Information for North America

Weather / road conditions related:

• AccuWeather Travel Weather
• AccuWeather Weather Headlines
• Intellicast Travel Weather, including DriveCast
• National Weather Service
• National Weather Service Interactive Weather Information Network
• RoadWeather.com Road Surface Conditions and Travel Weather
• Safe Travel USA – Weather and Road Conditions for the Upper Midwest
• Travel Cities Weather
• USA Today Weather Forecasts Along Interstate Highways
• Weather Channel Travel Weather

Traffic conditions information:

• AccuTraffic – Traffic information for States
• Beat the Traffic Information for various US cities
• Iteris Real-Time Traffic Information, maps and times – for various US cities
• Metrocommute Traffic Information
• MSN Traffic Reports
• Road Summit Travel information for various US locations
• Road Watch America
• Search Beat Traffic and Weather Web Links
• SmarTraveler – Traffic information for various major US cities
• Smart-Traveler Information for various US cities
• Traffic.com – Traffic information for US cities
• TrafficOnline – Personalized, route-specific, real time traffic information
• Travel Advisory News Network (TANN) – Traffic conditions for various cities
• TravelForecast.com – United States road and traffic conditions
• Yahoo! Traffic Views – Traffic conditions for various cities

Regional information links:

• I-95 Corridor Coalition Traveler Information
• I-95 Travelers Alert (from Starsystems)
• Midwest Road Conditions from the National Weather Service (CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI, WY)

State Departments of Transportation:

• All State DOTs

More information, including the 511 service, is made available on this page at the Federal Highway Administration, which is a branch of the US Department of Transportation.

Tags: traffic, us, dot, safety, transportation, federal highway, state dot, metrocommute, roads