Transport Topics

While the presidential race remained up in the air Nov. 5, a number of Congressional campaigns had already claimed victory. For the top transportation decision-makers on Capitol Hill up for re-election, a majority of voters responded favorably to their campaigns, sending them back to Washington to work on an agenda that includes an update of the country’s highway and infrastructure policies. In Maine, incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, the chamber’s transportation funding leader, earned a fifth term to serve. In Michigan, incumbent Democratic Senator Gary Peters, who is a member of the Commerce Committee that handles trucking policy, won re-election as well. On the House of Representatives side, the top politicians for each party on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee — Democrat Peter DeFazio of Oregon and Republican Sam Graves of Missouri — claimed victory. Could 2021 be the year for infrastructure? Maybe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Though the presidential election was coming down to the wire Nov. 4, the fates of two transportation-related issues in two states were officially settled at ballot boxes on Election Day. In Arkansas, 55% percent of voters approved a measure to make permanent a sales tax dedicated to supplying revenue to state and local transportation infrastructure purposes. The existing 0.5% sales tax was established in 2012 and had been set to expire in 2023. In California, 58% of voters approved Proposition 22, handing ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft a win. The measure classifies the drivers of such businesses as independent contractors rather than employees. However, it does stipulate that gig-economy companies must provide certain minimum payments and benefits to these drivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Volvo Trucks North America and other industry associations and companies have helped facilitate the modification of California utility rules to give private entities the ability to sell electricity as a motor fuel. The rule modification would apply at publicly accessible charging stations for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. Electric utilities in the state had been guided by a California Public Utilities Commission decision in 2010 that exempted light-duty vehicle charging station providers from being regulated as a utility, but did not explicitly exempt medium- and heavy-duty charging station providers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An election year marked by a historic health crisis and often-contentious political rhetoric will come to a head today as remaining voters cast their ballots. Undoubtedly the transportation industry will be watching the results closely, as the two top presidential candidates hold vastly different visions for infrastructure. President Donald Trump and his reelection team have touted a persistent push to reform environmental permitting guidance, as well as an intent to advance a multiyear comprehensive highway policy update should he win election. Former Vice President Joe Biden, on the other hand, is pursuing a multitrillion-dollar, multidecade infrastructure plan that aims to deliver a massive fleet of electric vehicles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Legislation that aims to promote the adoption of new technologies throughout the country’s transportation networks was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Strengthening Methods to Advance Research and Technology, or SMART, Act, introduced by Rep. Troy Balderson, would aim to advance innovation, efficiency and new safety programs across transportation corridors. Specifically, the bill would authorize several programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation, pertaining to advanced technologies, connected vehicles, automated driving systems and digital construction management systems. Rural areas would be covered under the bill, according to background provided by the congressman’s office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today marks the end of Anne Reinke’s first week as new president and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association. She will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, including working with key stakeholders to advance TIA’s mission of advocating for the third-party logistics sector. Reinke’s prior experience includes two years in the U.S. Department of Transportation and 16 years with CSX. When asked about how she would lead TIA, Reinke said, quote, “I will be listening, learning and appreciating what their experience with the association is and what they would like to see more or less of. Same with our members and board, etc. How can I be helpful? What do you want to see the association do that I can help with?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices