Will Federal Stimulus Money Spark a High-Speed Rail Renaissance in the U.S.?

By Larry Greenemeier, Scientific American

The drive for energy conservation coupled with the recession has the U.S. switching policy tracks with its push to develop a high-speed rail transportation network. But does it have enough engineering expertise to do it right?

Although so-called bullet trains in France can travel at speeds approaching 575 kilometers per hour, their adoption in the U.S. has been more local than express. Now, 140 years after the transcontinental railroad's nearly 2,900 kilometers of track first connected both U.S. coasts, a number of states are hoping for a second golden age of rail, this time fueled by the Obama administration's pledge of billions of stimulus dollars for high-speed railway development.

To read more, go to Scientific American at www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=high-speed-rail

Asia Light Years Ahead of the US in Clean Tech Investment - Financial and Economic Consequence


Asia is investing hundreds of billions of dollars more than the US in clean technology, according to a new report by two research institutions. In the future, the US may be importing trillions of dollars of needed clean technology (and losing countless jobs to Asia) as a result.

In total, the report showed that China, Japan, and South Korea will invest about $509 billion in clean tech over the next 5 years, whereas the US (with our greenest President in decades, maybe ever) is only expected to invest $172 billion (about 3 times less) — this is assuming the climate and energy legislation in Congress passes.

If the US were to invest the same percentage of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as South Korea, it would invest almost $140 billion per year ($700 billion over this five year period)! Compared to China, the anticipated per-GDP investment ratio is 1:4 (US to China).

To continue reading, click on...
http://cleantechnica.com/2009/11/20/asia-light-years-ahead-of-the-us-in-clean-tech-investment-financial-and-economic-consequences/

Riding the Rails in Tokyo Is Overwhelming, But Easy
by Dave Demerjian, Autopia

With 882 stations on 14 lines, Tokyo’s amazing subway system is one of the largest — and busiest — in all the world. The system map is a twisted mass of squiggles that resembles a Jackson Pollock painting, and conditions on its trains give new meaning to the word "crowded." It all had me more than a little nervous as I headed to Tokyo for a business trip. [Read more at the link below.]

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2008/11/riding-the-rail/

Job Opportunity

The NEXTRANS Center (Region V Regional University Transportation Center) is currently seeking applications for the position of Managing Director (MD).

Position Title:
NEXTRANS Center Managing Director (0901129)
Purdue University Discovery Park

Location:
West Lafayette, Indiana

Job Description:
The NEXTRANS Center Managing Director (MD) implements the Center's strategic plan by overseeing the delivery of its research, education, and outreach programs and activities. The MD provides day-to-day supervision of Center staff, equipment and facilities. S/he serves as an operational liaison to the Center's executive committee, advisory council, affiliated faculty, external sponsors, internal business and academic units, and institutional and programmatic partners. The MD develops annual budgets, monitors finances, expenditures and cost-share reporting. S/he coordinates the research selection process for proposals and the development and execution of educational programs, outreach events, and sustainability initiatives. The MD is responsible for monitoring and collecting various data and information to ensure timely delivery of required publications, reports and performance indicators. S/he represents the Center at events and activities when delegated by the Center Director and performs other duties as assigned.

Required:
• Masters Degree in Engineering, Science, Business or allied fields
• Five or more years of professional experience
• Significant experience serving in a managerial role, and experience in a transportation-related field

Preferred:
• Ph.D.
• Experience with academic (faculty and administration) environment

Additional Information:
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: TIAA/CREF Contributions Immediately

Apply for this position
http://purdue.taleo.net/careersection/wl/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=83460

Learn more about the NEXTRANS Center
http://www.purdue.edu/discoverypark/nextrans

Here's an interesting article, with a link so you can continue reading...

Bush DOT Chief Discusses Reauthorization

By Lisa Caruso, National Journal

Mary Peters served as President George W. Bush's secretary of Transportation from 2006 to 2008 and as the head of the Federal Highway Administration from 2001 to 2005. During her tenure she proved an advocate of market-based approaches to transportation problems. An Arizona native, Peters returned to her home state in 2008 and is currently consulting for Zachry American Infrastructure, which promotes private investment in infrastructure projects, and the engineering firm HDR. She spoke this week with National Journal about how best to pay for the infrastructure improvements the country needs.

NJ: The surface transportation law expired at the end of last month, and Congress only extended it for 30 days. How much longer should it be extended in order to complete reauthorization -- until the end of the year, as House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar, D-Minn., has urged, or 18 months, which the administration and the Senate favor?

Peters: I would endorse where the administration and the Senate have been. If this is really important, we need to get it right, as opposed to rushing something through. We need to focus a little further out into the future so that we can get widespread agreement on what we need to do with the next program.

(To continue reading, go here: http://insiderinterviews.nationaljournal.com/2009/10/post-1.php)