Capacitor energy storage feature to make U.S. October debut on light rail transit system

Remember back on May 1 when I wrote about capacitor energy storage capability in an electric passenger rail application? Described in the “CATS: ‘Contactless,’ energy-storage features give transit an edge,” was the MITRAC system from Bombardier. In this case, it is the Siemens Sitras Energy Storage system that is to be installed on the TriMet light rail line at the … Read more

Cars as a major pollution-fighting solution: In my lifetime? It’s definitely doable!

I hold on to hope that one day cars will be a significant contributor to the overall effort to clean the air – that they’ll be more a part of the solution than what is right now the case. That’s not expecting too much, right? I will try to answer that question by posing another: Without significant … Read more

Streetcars in America: Rebounding and on a roll

Baltimore, Maryland – birthplace of American common carrier railroading – is considering incorporating streetcars into its transportation mix, apparently. Baltimore is not alone. To say interest in American streetcars is building is, in my opinion, understating things some. In fact, an American streetcar builder – United Streetcar of Clackamas, Oregon – has set up shop. … Read more

Port of Long Beach furthers energy efficiency, sustainability with new policy

Improving energy efficiency and advancing sustainability at the Port of Long Beach (POLB) is nothing new. For instance, in a May 22, 2013 news release the POLB wrote: “In 2005, the Harbor Commission adopted the ‘Green Port Policy,’ which set down the tenets that have guided the Port’s sweeping environmental programs such as the San Pedro … Read more

For Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport’s automated people mover, things are looking up

On visits to the Phoenix metropolitan area in both May and November 2009, I had the opportunity to ride the region’s Valley MetroRail light rail system. At the station at 44th and Washington streets, construction was then underway on what is today’s Phoenix (PHX) Sky Train™ system, an automated people mover (APM) connecting light rail riders to … Read more

Colorado forward-thinking regarding transportation, transportation policy

“A new state law that quietly moved through this year’s legislature gives cities and counties unprecedented freedom to spend tax dollars on transportation projects other than roads and bridges,” Monte Whaley wrote in the Denver Post. “This means communities for the first time can use their share of the $250 million pot of money made up of … Read more

Proposed short-haul freight rail line linking Central, Southern California has potential

“Diesel, used by most [heavy goods vehicles], causes more air pollution per kilometre than other fuels such as petrol.” This was a determination of the European Environment Agency (EEA), as brought to bear in the EEA’s Feb. 28, 2013 “Reducing the € 45 billion health cost of air pollution from lorries” press release – a … Read more

Agency labels diesel engine exhaust emissions as ‘carcinogenic’ and other revelations

In a May 1st Air Quality Matters blog post, I referenced the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) document titled: “Second Report to Congress: Highlights of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program,” a document to be of particular relevance and importance. (To learn more and read what I had written, see: “EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction program is showing promise”). … Read more