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Articles by Philip M. Plotch
Recommendations to Improve Transit Project Delivery and Promote Transit Abundance
This week, the Institute for Progress published a Transit Abundance Playbook, a collection of 15 articles with recommendations that policymakers can adopt to help transit agencies build projects faster, cheaper, and more effectively. The articles — written by leading transit practitioners, researchers, and advocates — translate research into policy solutions.
Early Reactions to the Report
To help transit agencies purchase better buses at lower cost with shorter delivery times, Eno and CALSTART released a new report, today: “Customization, Competition, and Costs: Findings and Recommendations for the U.S. Transit Bus Industry.” Early reactions to the report appear at the bottom of this article. The Brookings Institution is hosting an event on June 25 with U.S. Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost and industry leaders to discuss the report and related issues.
Five Things You Should Know About Transportation Reporters
This week, Eno held a webinar, “Transportation in the News: Shaping and Covering the Stories,” about how reporters and public agencies cover transportation policies, programs, projects, and major incidents. The discussion featured two local reporters (Larry Higgs from NJ.com and Rachel Swan from the San Francisco Chronicle) and one national reporter (Andrew Hawkins from The Verge). A fourth panelist, Jawauna Greene, leads the Office of Public Affairs at the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Great Managers Share Their Insight on Delivering High Stakes Projects
Talented and experienced managers are essential to keeping large transportation projects on schedule, controlling costs, and meeting stakeholder expectations. At an Eno webinar this week, three accomplished transit agency executives – Richard Clarke, Peter Rogoff, and Alicia Vap – discussed the challenges project managers face and the skills, experience, and support needed to succeed.
Comparing the Costs of Transit Projects: New Report and Interactive Graphs
Eno’s project delivery resources hub has a wealth of information to help transportation agencies and policy makers improve the planning, design, and construction of projects. This hub now has two new resources. First, a new Eno report on the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Capital Cost Database accompanied by interactive graphs. Second, an update to Eno’s own Transit Construction Cost Database and a new set of interactive graphs.
Eno’s New Report to Improve Transit Project Delivery
Today, Eno released “The People Behind Major Transit Projects,” a report that will help agencies more effectively recruit, train, and retain the professionals who manage large transit projects. Its publication comes at a critical time, as many transit agencies across the country struggle to recruit and retain managers capable of successfully delivering major projects.
Senators Air Frustrations at FAA Nominee's Hearing
At the June 11 Senate Commerce Committee hearing on Bryan Bedford’s nomination to serve as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) mentioned that he is at an airport at least 48 out of 52 weeks every year. “I have a lot of skin in the game,” he said. Since members of Congress fly far more frequently than most Americans, Fetterman was not the only senator who took an avid interest in the nominee’s positions.
AI is Transforming Transportation Agencies: Starting in Texas
At an Eno webinar this week, more than 300 participants learned how artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the ways agencies make decisions, manage operations, and deliver services. In previous generations, computers revolutionized transportation agencies by automating routine tasks. AI takes those changes a giant leap forward, enabling systems to learn from data, predict outcomes, and adapt in real time.
Has New York’s Congestion Pricing Reduced Congestion?
A primary goal of New York’s congestion pricing program is to discourage some drivers from entering Manhattan at or below 60 Street, during the times of day when streets are most congested. Based on that measure and many others (including transit ridership, bus speeds, trip reliability, and traffic accidents) – the program has been a resounding success. About 1.5 million people work in the 8 square mile tolling zone.
House Authorizers Review Mass Transit Programs
On Wednesday, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing, titled “America Builds: A Review of Our Nation’s Transit Policies and Programs.” The subcommittee invited four witnesses to testify: Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., Chief Executive Officer, Jacksonville Transportation Authority; on behalf of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Barbara K.
Andrew Johnson (1865-1869): The Train Trip that Backfired
This article is a part of our series From Lighthouses to Electric Chargers: A Presidential Series on Transportation Innovations When Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president and vehement slavery opponent, was elected president in 1860, Hannibal Hamlin from Maine served as his vice president. But for the 1864 election, as the Civil War was starting to wind down, the Republican party leaders replaced Hamlin with Andrew Johnson, a Democrat from the southern state of Tennessee.
Pressing the Pause Button Under Manhattan’s Second Avenue. Yet Again.
When New York’s governor, Kathy Hochul, postponed America’s first congestion pricing program this month, she inadvertently hit pause on the project that has come to symbolize America’s unfulfilled transit ambitions. On June 18, the head of the construction subsidiary for New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) admitted that the agency had “stopped work” on the second phase of the Second Avenue subway.
James Buchanan (1857 to 1861): Telegraphing a Judge in Sacramento and a Queen in England
This article is a part of our series From Lighthouses to Electric Chargers: A Presidential Series on Transportation Innovations Although historians have not been kind to James Buchanan, the nation’s 15th president was known for embracing new technologies from refrigerators to railways. His inauguration, as shown below, was the first to be photographed. During Buchanan’s term, an information revolution was brewing.
Franklin Pierce, 14th President (1853 to 1857): Deferring to Railroads and Acquiring Property
This article is a part of our series From Lighthouses to Electric Chargers: A Presidential Series on Transportation Innovations By the 1850s, the U.S. had more than 17,000 miles of railroad tracks that were bringing coal, timber and agricultural products from previously inaccessible areas to rapidly growing markets.
Congestion Pricing in New York: Beware the Even Years
Even-numbered years are not an auspicious time to advance a congestion pricing program in New York because these are election years with campaigns for every U.S. House of Representative, State Assembly, and State Senate seat. The calendar explains why the prospects for congestion pricing were more promising in the odd years of 2017 and 2023 rather than the politically charged atmosphere of even years like 2024.
William Henry Harrison (1841): The Washington, D.C. Pedestrian
This article is a part of our series From Lighthouses to Electric Chargers: A Presidential Series on Transportation Innovations This is the ninth article in our series about transportation and U.S. presidents. Appropriately, given the length of William Henry Harrison’s term in office, it will also be our shortest. As a congressman from Ohio, Harrison supported federal funding for roads and canals as a way to spur growth in the west as well as integrate and strengthen the American economy.
Martin Van Buren (1837-1841): Building Too Much Too Fast
This article is a part of our series From Lighthouses to Electric Chargers: A Presidential Series on Transportation Innovations Martin Van Buren had a strong opinion about the federal government’s role in funding infrastructure projects (known at the time as “internal improvements.”) As a U.S. Senator from New York in the 1820s, Van Buren helped thwart President John Quincy Adams’ ambitious program of building new roads and canals.
From Lighthouses to Electric Chargers: A Presidential Series on Transportation Innovations
|ENO CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION From Lighthouses to Electric Chargers: A Presidential Series on Transportation Innovations Since its founding, transportation technological innovations have played a key role in U.S. history. Momentous achievements like criss-crossing canals, revolutionary railroads, humongous highways, and ample airports have all made it easier to travel from sea to shining sea. But what did transportation developments look like in the moment?
The Eno Center for Transportation
On Thursday, January 18, the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee under House Energy and Commerce conducted a hearing entitled “Fueling America’s Economy: Legislation to Improve Safety and Expand U.S. Pipeline Infrastructure.” The purpose of the hearing was to hear from regulators and industry experts to inform the reauthorization of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
The Eno Center for Transportation
Last week, Eno celebrated the accomplishments of transportation officials across the country in our 2023 annual awards reception. The ceremony was attended by over 200 transportation leaders and executives across all modes of transportation. The accomplished and diverse awardees of the night included: Nadine Lee, President & Chief Executive Officer for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), who was presented Eno’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
The Eno Center for Transportation
On Thursday, January 18th, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials met to discuss the oversight of railroad grade crossing elimination and safety issues. The subcommittee called on a panel of four witnesses to provide insights on railroad grade crossings and other issues related to general railroad safety.
The Eno Center for Transportation
On Monday, January 8, Dr. Susan Handy delivered the Thomas B. Deen Distinguished Lecture at the Transportation Research Board’s Annual Meeting. The Deen Lectureship invites honorees to provide overviews of their technical area of expertise, including the evolution, current status, and future prospects of their work and their field.
The Eno Center for Transportation
On Wednesday, January 10, the Chair’s Plenary Session (a recording is available here) at the Transportation Research Board’s Annual Meeting featured a Fireside Chat with three panelists devoted to the toll that transportation construction can have on workers mental wellness: Dr. Sharareh (Sherri) Kermanshachi, Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean for Research at Penn State Harrisburg Travis McCarthy, Senior Vice President and Transportation Group Southwest Regional Manager at Sundt...
The Eno Center for Transportation
|Paul Lewis, Principal, Deutsche Bahn Last week the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) made the much-anticipated announcement of the recipients of the of the Corridor Identification and Development program (CIDP) awards. FRA selected 69 corridors across the country and each will get up to $500,000 toward the planning phase of a new or improved passenger rail service.
The Eno Center for Transportation
On Wednesday, December 13th, Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC) convened the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment for the second in a series of hearings to prepare for the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), which Congress works to pass on a biennial basis. The first hearing was held on December 5th to gather input directly from the Army Corps of Engineers on WRDA related activities.
The Eno Center for Transportation
On Wednesday, December 13, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit met to discuss the oversight and implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). The subcommittee called on several key officials from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) to provide insights and updates on the progress of implementing the IIJA throughout the various modes covered by the subcommittee.
Senate Panel Approves Inman’s NTSB Nomination
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee yesterday approved the nomination of Todd Inman to be a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, raising hopes that Inman and another NTSB nominee can be confirmed by the full Senate by the end of the month. The Committee ordered Inman’s nomination to the NTSB favorably reported at a quick business meeting by a voice vote. His nomination has now been placed on the Senate Executive Calendar, where he is Number 447.
Senate Committee Discusses New Wildlife Crossing Program
The Senate Committee on Environment & Public works met Wednesday, December 6th to discuss the impact of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, on various environmental programs and uses, including the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossings Program.
House T&I Uses Hearing to Urge Senate to Act on FAA Bill
On Thursday, November 30th, Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA) convened the House Aviation Subcommittee to hear invited testimony related to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization legislation which has already been passed by the chamber. The hearing, “Turbulence Ahead: Consequences of Delaying a Long-Term FAA Bill,” covered the many implications within the aviation sector of failing to implement reauthorizing legislation.
DOT Establishes Multimodal Freight Office
The U.S. Department of Transportation this week announced the establishment of its new Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy to run the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) program for supply chain efficiency and carry out other directives prescribed by law.
Getting Back on Track: Intercity Passenger Rail
On Wednesday, November 29, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials met to discuss issues regarding the future of intercity passenger rail in the United States. The subcommittee called on a panel of four witnesses to provide insights on various challenges and impacts of intercity passenger rail to ensure passenger rail remains a robust, safe, efficient, and reliable mode of travel.
Senate Panel Looks at Airport Near-Misses
On Thursday, November 9, the Aviation Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation met to discuss aviation safety in light of multiple high-profile near misses at U.S. airports. Chaired by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), the subcommittee explored the causes of near misses and potential safety improvements.
Eno Announces 2023 Leadership Awards Ceremony Recipients
The Eno Leadership Awards Reception brings together public, private, and nonprofit leaders from across the country to honor individuals and organizations who have contributed significantly to the field of transportation.
Climbing Down from the Fiscal Cliff in California, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York
Transit agencies across the country are grappling with daunting operating budget shortfalls caused by the depletion of COVID-19 federal relief funds, rising operating costs, and reduced fare revenues. The gaps are enormous. For example, Chicago is facing a $730 million annual shortfall beginning in 2026. Unless dramatic action is taken, some transit agencies could very well enter into a death spiral. That can happen if a transit agency reduces the frequency of its services.
Transportation at the Ballot Box - 2023 Edition
Tuesday, November 7 marked Election Day 2023, with millions of Americans casting their votes during the off-year election. To recap from last week’s ETW preview of the election, Eno is tracking around 70 transportation-related ballot measures across the United States, with the most (at around 46 percent) in the Western region.
Opinion: Is “Fix-It-First” Compatible With Promoting “Equity”?
Two weeks ago, the Urban Institute released a new research report entitled “Is Federal Infrastructure Investment Advancing Equity Goals?” The report, as well as an accompanying interactive data display, attempts to “examine how infrastructure funds are being apportioned to understand whether investments are expanding support for disinvested communities or, in contrast, reinforcing historic inequities.” The report examined the fiscal year 2022 distribution of funds from 66 grant programs...
Senate Hearing Looks at “Sustainable Tourism”
On Tuesday, November 7th, Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) convened the Senate Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade and Export Promotion to hear invited testimony related to the impact of increased tourism in recent years. The hearing, titled “Sustainable Tourism for a Thriving Economy,” was largely focused on the impacts – positive and negative – of outdoor recreation and related tourism, highlighting the experiences of smaller and rural communities.
Senate Subcommittee Examines Freight and Passenger Roadway Safety
On Tuesday, November 7, the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure under the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works held a public hearing to discuss the causes of roadway safety challenges and possible interventions.
The Eno Center for Transportation
Mort Downey, a towering figure in national and local transportation policy for the last half-century who served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation for all eight years of the Clinton Administration, died yesterday at age 87 after a long respiratory illness. Downey was a longtime member of the Eno Center’s Board of Directors from 2002-2014.
Transportation at the Ballot Box - 2023 Edition
The 2023 elections are fast approaching, and Eno is tracking around 70 transportation-related ballot measures across the United States. Compared to last year’s election, there may be fewer measures, but it is nonetheless important to cover transportation decision making. As we prepare for Tuesday, November 7, this will provide an overview of the playing field and some ballot measures to look out for.
A Bus is a Bus: The Costs of Excess Customization
Bus purchases represent one of the largest investments for most transit agencies in the United States. According to the American Public Transportation Association, in 2020 about 11 percent of all transit capital expenditures went toward passenger bus vehicles (known as “rolling stock”.) The standard 40-foot bus is the workhorse of public transit in the United States, responsible for over 58 percent of all transit trips.
DOT Pledges TOD Funds for Conversion of Downtown Offices to Housing
On October 27th, the White House announced a series of new actions, including a guidebook of tools and opportunities, in response to the growing number of vacant commercial buildings in the US.
Senate Committee Examines Climate Change’s Impact on Supply Chains
On Wednesday, October 25, the Senate Committee on the Budget met to discuss the impacts of climate change on supply chains. Chaired by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the committee explored the potential vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains and even the merits of climate science and modeling itself.
How the House Went from Anti-Urban to Pro-Urban in 8 Years
When you write about the history of federal mass transit policy (as I have), one thing seems disconcerting. The House of Representatives, now the more pro-urban chamber, used to be the more anti-urban chamber, and held back urban issues and programs for years in the 1950s and 1960s: The Senate passed a mass transit aid bill in 1960 but it never came out of committee in the House.
Three Questions to Ask When Fixing the Highway Trust Fund
This week, I testified before the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee at its hearing, “Running on Empty: The Highway Trust Fund.” My written testimony first explained how and why the Trust Fund went broke, and suggested three questions that Congress should answer when trying to find ways to fix it. The “Three Questions” part is reproduced below.
Chicago: Tackling the Fiscal Cliff and Addressing Governance Issues
Transit agencies across the U.S. are grappling with daunting operating budget shortfalls caused by the depletion of COVID-19 federal relief funds, rising operating costs, and reduced fare revenues. In the Chicago area, transit agencies face an annual shortfall of approximately $730 million starting in 2026. On October 11, the region (with Eno’s help) took an important step towards addressing this fiscal cliff.
Eno’s MAX Program Takes Off with Airports
Like most of transportation, the world of aviation is going through an exciting and dynamic period. For airports, the fast-moving changes in travel demand, consequential federal legislation, and evolving metropolitan economies, mean it is more critical than ever that key employees understand these major trends and policy moves, both at their own airport and elsewhere.
Running on Empty: The Highway Trust Fund
|Garett Shrode and Sohail Husain On Wednesday, October 18th, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee on Highways and Transit met to discuss the solvency challenges associated with the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). The committee called on several witnesses to provide insight on HTF challenges and opportunities for improvement of transportation funding to ensure a sustainable and reliable surface transportation system.
Lessons, Learnings, and Legacies: Eno Establishes Downey Fellowship
The Eno Center for Transportation is proud to announce the Mortimer L. Downey Legacy Fellows Program for former and outgoing United States Deputy Secretaries of Transportation. This new program is intended to document critical lessons learned and insights from the Deputy Secretary’s tenure in the department. The fellowship honors the legacy of Mortimer L. Downey, the longest-serving person ever to hold the post, and a former member of Eno’s Board of Directors.
A New Wave of Railroad Investments
On September 25th, the Biden administration announced a new round of rail infrastructure funding. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced $1.4 billion for 70 projects across 35 states and the District of Columbia, through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. While CRISI was created in 2015, this round of funding was the first since the bipartisan infrastructure law expanded the program and significantly increased funding.
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