via CityLab & synapticdigital.com

Los Angeles is preparing to trial a two-way, one-mile e-highway road design project along the diesel truck-dominated Alameda Corridor in an effort to reduce pollution and health-related costs. Officials say the system relies on emission-free electric power delivered through overhead wires to fuel the trucks. The city is partnering with Siemens and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to run the $13 million project set to begin operations in July. The one-mile test of the e-highway system may just be the start. Apparently the various funders are hoping to expand the system along the remaining three miles from the ports to the major railhead, and there are discussions underway about a 20-mile northwest corridor that could connect the ports with inland warehouse complexes. If this first mile test works out, it could help provide a healthier future for high-traffic corridors around the world.

More about the project here.

This is how it works: The catenary infrastructure will be installed on the North and South-bound sections of Alameda Street where it intersects with Sepulveda Boulevard in Carson,California. Up to four trucks will be running in the demonstration, making multiple drives per day. Thanks to an innovative current collector the trucks can connect and disconnect from the catenary system at any speed for dynamic power supply directly to the electric engine and for on-board storage. To further ensure the same flexibility as conventional trucks, the eHighway vehicles use an electric drive system, which can be powered either by diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), battery or other on-board energy source, when driving outside of the catenary lines.  One big question that bogs me is this: assuming the demonstration is successful, who will pay for the cost of turning over the existing fleet to this hybrid-mode?

Related articles

• Siemens To Conduct eHighway Trials With Electric Volvo Trucks In California
• eHighway Project In Los Angeles
• Siemens eHighway Expected to Cut Ports’ CO2 Emissions

Do you have a new, creative, or innovative idea for addressing a significant transportation challenge? Are you a student, a group of students or a young professional? The George Mason University’s School of Policy, Government and International Affairs wants to hear from you!

In the world of transportation and transportation challenges, it is imperative that we foster the development and implementation of new ideas. Instead of offering the same old solutions–turning the proverbial wheel, but not moving forward– we challenge you to think creatively and offer “outside the box” solutions to complicated transportation policy challenges. So how can you push that wheel forward? How can you affect change?

•  First Prize: $10,000
• Second Prize: $5,000
• Third Prize: $2,500

Examples of significant transportation challenges include:

• Funding for transportation facility and services
• Fostering public/private sector collaboration
• Developing creative new transportation modalities
• Encouraging multimodal solutions
• Reducing community and environmental impacts of transportation facilities and services.
• Enhancing quality of life through access to jobs, medical care, housing, recreation, etc.
• Expanding opportunities for disadvantaged populations.
• Tackling challenges arising from demographic changes and generational shifts.

The award will be announced in the Spring of 2015. Please visit the competition website for details on submission requirements and procedures. http://outsidethebox.gmu.edu/

Pretty cool video that offers a nice overview of the 2nd avenue subway project and its impact on residents and businesses in the Upper East Side neighborhood. The size and scope of the project in addition to the geographical location makes for an interesting combination..

Related articles

• MTA releases Second Avenue subway photos
• Next Second Avenue subway phase gets some funding

The Eno Center for Transportation is seeking a Policy Analyst in to join Eno’s Center for Transportation Policy (CTP). The Policy Analyst will report to the Director of Finance and Policy, and will provide support to all activities within CTP. These activities will include, but are not limited to:

– Write and research for Eno policy projects
– Manage specific research and policy projects
– Assist with writing proposals for future projects
– Contribute to the monthly newsletter, Eno Brief, and other publications
– Publicly presenting research results
– Participating in professional development activities

As Eno’s work spans the industry, the Policy Analyst will need to be able to contribute to policy work across all modes of transportation. In addition to working with CTP, the Analyst will occasionally be expected to contribute to work within the other areas of Eno, including CTL, finance, and communications.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
– A working knowledge of transportation policy, economics, and existing issues in the industry
– Masters degree in public policy, engineering, urban planning, political science or related field preferred
– Two to five years of work experience
– Demonstrated strengths in both researching and writing
– Ability to multi-task

Compensation
Eno offers a competitive benefits package. Salary will commensurate with experience.

To Apply
This position will remain open until filled. Submit cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample to Ann Henebery at ahenebery@enotrans.org.

Find the full listing here: https://www.enotrans.org/about-us/employment

(H/T YPTransportation.org)

Applications are now being accepted for the Six Minute Pitch: A Transportation Startup Challenge, a special Young Member Council (YMC) session at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 94th Annual Meeting during which selected presenters pitch their cutting-edge, research-based concept for a transportation product- or service-based business in just six minutes. Presentations are judged on the basis of the commercial viability of their concept, and the demonstration of how the proposed product or service meets today’s critical transportation challenges.

While no actual investment i awarded at the Six Minute Pitch (per TRB rules), the opportunity to present at one of the most well attended sessions at TRB and to receive feedback from a distinguished panel of investors and successful entrepreneurs attracts a number of high-quality proposals each year.

Confirmed judges for the 2015 Six Minute Pitch include:

• Sean O’Sullivan, of SOSVentures and Co-founder and Managing Director of Carma
• Chris Thomas, Founder and Partner, Fontinalis Partners
• Gabe Klein, COO, Bridj

Now in its third year, the Six Minute Pitch has showcased many successful early stage transportation technology companies. The winner of the 2014 Six Minute Pitch, TransitScreen, a company which provide real-time availability and schedule information sustainable transportation modes, including transit and Bikeshare, has since brought on of the Six Minute Pitch judges, Gabe Klein, on as a strategic advisor, gained new clients, and even had the opportunity to pitch President Obama!