Spring is finally here!!! Just a friendly reminder, if you haven't had your studded snow tires removed yet, today April 30th, is the deadline for Idaho!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Self Driving Cars Video (Audio Described) - Expected to be on the streets by 2020
Taking a ride in a self-driven automobile, while being 95% blind, is an amazing and courageous feat in itself. Here is a video of Steve Mahan going for a ride in a self-driven car. Stopping for taco's or at the dry cleaners is no problem at all.
Wilkepedia Definition :
Autonomous car - Also know as robotic or informally as driver less or self-driving, is an aautonomous vehicle capable of full filling the human transportation capabilities of a traditional car. Autonomous vehicles sense the world with such techniques as laser, radar, lidar, GPS and computer vision. Advanced control systems interpret the information to identify appropriate navigation paths, as well as obstacles and relevant signage. Autonomous vehicles typically update their maps based on sensory input, such that they can navigate through uncharted environments. The U.S. state of Nevada passed a law in June 2011 which instructs the Nevada DOT to write regulations concerning the operation of driver less cars. Google had been lobbying for driver less car laws. Until the regulations are devised, the legality of operating a driver less car system in Nevada, including possibly a self-parking car, will remain questionable at best. The Google driver less car is one of the leading projects in this field, alongside programs such as the 2getther passenger vehicles from the Netherlands and the entrants of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Grand Challenge in the USA.
In a story reported by Fox News, the former head of Research and Development at General Motors, Larry Burns, expects to see autonomous vehicles in showrooms in less than 10 years. To see this story please visit the link below:
It seems like something you would see in a science fiction movie.... I am not sure how comfortable I would feel in a self-driven car, dodging in and out, of a busy and congested urbanized area, yikes. Times are changing..............
Monday, April 23, 2012
What a Great Idea - A Bike Share Program! Downtown Boise Is Doing It!
I saw the article in "ITD's - Today's News" and thought "What A great Idea!!" I could see downtown Coeur d'Alene doing this!
Boise is beginning a bike share rental program (in their downtown area) and are moving forward, where someone could pick up a bicycle at one station and ride to another station to drop it off. A research study by Boise State's Community and Regional Planning Department suggested multiple locations for bike stations with the aim of linking to Boise's transit options. The rental program will be free for the first 30 minutes and they will have annual memberships available from $55 to $75 a year. Apparently, the program is being started using Federal grants. They expect to hear back on the grants sometime next month. The grants include all the infrastructure and the bicycles. This effort is a joint effort between the Central District Health Department and the Capitol City Development Corporation as partners in the project.
The article mentions that it will resemble the program offered by B-Cycle in Denver, Colorado, featuring bikes with baskets and a "relaxed-ride height".
To see the original article see the following link:
http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/re-cycle-bike-share-program-could-roll-soon/Content?oid=2638355
What a great idea!!!
The article mentions that it will resemble the program offered by B-Cycle in Denver, Colorado, featuring bikes with baskets and a "relaxed-ride height".
To see the original article see the following link:
http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/re-cycle-bike-share-program-could-roll-soon/Content?oid=2638355
What a great idea!!!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Just Released!!! Transportation Plan Update Draft Final (by Transit Plus)
The Transportation Plan Update Draft Final was just released by Transit Plus. It is available on our KMPO website under "News & Notices" on the main page at the following link: http://www.kmpo.net/
This study updates the Kootenai Metropolitan Area Public Transportation Feasibility Plan, adopted in 2005. The focus of the original study was on the development of public transportation services. This included short and long-term service options for the community based on conditions at the time and anticipated growth.
Citylink public transit service was initiated in 2005 and ridership quickly grew to over 500,000 annual trips. Citylink is operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and funded primarily by Tribal funds and Federal Transit Administration urbanized area funds. Kootenai County serves as the designated recipient for the FTA funds.
While the focus of the 2005 plan was the feasibility and initial development of transit service, this update identifies the progress made since the last report and emphasizes the institutional and financial structure necessary to sustain the system and provide for a strong and responsive decision-making process.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Have you taken a road trip lately from Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area to Houston Texas???
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| Google Map -Spokane Washington to Houston Texas |
I recently took a "road trip" across a portion of the United States, from Spokane, Washington to Houston, Texas. We traveled through the following states: Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. I have to say, that I have never driven that far non-stop and until now I never fully realized the "state" of the current highway conditions. Most of the way, the highway posted speed limit was 75 mph. From what I saw, the problems appear to be across the nation or at least a large proportion of it. I couldn't help but think, about the dilemma we are facing with the transportation funding, and I thought about how critical it is to maintain the integrity and foundation of our highways.
I found that after driving for 36 hours straight (while trying to sleep and switch off with the other two drivers), I could barely sleep, due to all the road noise... bumps in the road, changes in the texture or vertical profile of the pavement (dropping from one grade to another), grooved pavement that pulled the car in two directions at once, alligator cracks, irregularly patched pavement areas, and long stretches of highway with expansion joints in the concrete going "bumpity bump, bump", every 50 feet or so. Thank goodness, all the noise, kept me "quite awake" for 32 of the 36 hours that we drove.
Surprisingly, many of the highway corridors we traveled were freight trucking corridors. I can't remember when I've seen so many semi-trucks on a highway at one time and at all hours of the day. I've also never seen congestion as I did, as when we arrived in Houston, Texas. Too many people (2.2 million) and not enough highway lanes to drive in.
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| Almost There to Houston, Texas |
I don't have the answers, I am just a transportation planner with no influence on the transportation funding or the budget of our country, but I can't help but feel concerned.
I just hope it gets figured out, and soon!
State of Idaho "Off Highway Vehicle (OHV)Trails" Online Resource - Just In Case You Missed It
In case you missed it, The State of Idaho Parks and Recreation OHV online map is available for recreational enthusiasts! This is a great site with an online recreational map showing motorized and non-motorized trails: ATV, motorbike, UTV and 4WD trails on Forest Service and BLM lands. You can plan your route, view: the weather forecast, the road map, topo map or terrain map and even export it to your GPS device.
Check it out at http://trails.idaho.gov/
Monday, April 16, 2012
REMINDER - Public Hearing for CityLink Transit Service Reductions Tomorrow Night, Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
A public hearing will be held on April 17, 2012 from 6PM at the Kootenai County Administration Building, 451 N. Government Way in Meeting Room 1A (on the First Floor) to discuss the changes and receive public comments. Written public comments on service reductions may also be submitted to the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners, 451 Government Way, P.O. Box 9000, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816-9000. Written public comments will be received until April 20, 2012.
K-TEC School in Rathdrum - Scheduled to Open In September 2012
Kootenai Technical Education Campus will be a state of the art professional technical center offering juniors and seniors in Kootenai County the opportunity to learn skills that will prepare them for workforce and/or post secondary education. The new facility is being built at the corner of Lancaster and Highway 41, in the Rathdrum area. K-Tec is expected to open this September. The school will be full with 500 students and 16 full-time staff. K-Tec received over 900 applications. It is estimated that of the 500 students attending, approximately 1/2 will be riding the traditional school bus and the other 1/2 will be driving themselves to school. You can like them on face book or go to the following site: www.ktectraining.org
Thursday, April 5, 2012
I-90, BECK Road Interchange to Begin Construction This Month
The long awaited Beck Road Interchange is expected to begin construction this month. The contractor reported that they anticipate the interchange to be completed by Thanksgiving, just in time for the holiday shopping season.
The project is between the Greyhound Park, Centennial Trail and Jacklin seed. The interchange is estimated to cost $35 million and is the first project in Idaho to utilize the State Tax Anticipated Revenue (STAR), that the legislation approved in 2007.
The legislation allows developers to initially fund projects before being reimbursed through sales tax revenue from the project.
The project is "design-build" meaning the entire project doesn't have to be designed to start construction. That format is expected to expedite the completion date.
To see the full story, released by ITD, please visit the link below:
http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/Apps/MediaManagerMVC/NewsClipping.aspx/Preview/62968
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
TRANSIT SERVICE REDUCTIONS 2nd PUBLIC HEARING - April 17th
This may be your last chance to give input concerning the Transit service reductions that are being planned for the Kootenai County Transit System operated as Citylink and Citylink Paratransit system, due to the lack of additional government funding being available. Kootenai County is looking at reducing transit service. The service reduction map is available to view at the link to KMPO 's website below:
Public Notice - Transit Service Reductions 2nd Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given that the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to seek comments from the public regarding the proposed transit service changes that will impact both the fixed route and paratransit services. The Transit System operated as Citylink and Citylink Paratransit are proposed to change with the following actions: increase fixed route service to 60 minutes frequency, add more bus stops, elimination of Red Route A, a reduction in service hours to 10PM, and provide changes in routing which will impact the entire transit system including a reduced paratransit service area.
A public hearing will be held on April 17, 2012 from 6PM at the Kootenai County Administration Building, 451 N. Government Way in Meeting Room 1A (on the First Floor) to discuss the changes and receive public comments. Written public comments on service reductions may also be submitted to the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners, 451 Government Way, P.O. Box 9000, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816-9000. Written public comments will be received until April 20, 2012.
The proposed changes are available for review at the Kootenai County Board of Commissioner’s Office, 451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene during normal business hours. An electronic version of the proposed service reductions is available on the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization website: www.kmpo.net.
For special accommodations/translation services, citizens can call (208)446-1616 at least 48 hours in advance of the public hearing. Kootenai County assures nondiscrimination in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.L. 100.259), and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
2012 Report Card for Idaho's Transportation Infrastructure
Bridges, State Highways and Passenger Rail received the lowest grades with waste water systems receiving the highest grade. To see the full report clink on the link below:
http://sections.asce.org/sis/ReportCard/ASCE-2012Report_Full.pdf
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
I like it! A Leprechaun Frolicing Las Vegas Streets to Test Yielding to Pedestrians!
Well, I can't say that I've ever even seen a green leprechaun out in public, (except maybe on St. Paddy's Day), but some people will be seeing one very soon on street corners in Las Vegas. Police officers are using a person dressed up in a leprechaun costume, to test to see, whether drivers will yield to the mischievous leprechaun. Anyone that gets caught failing to yield to the green guy will need to be looking for the pot of gold under the nearest rainbow. Fines will run them $190 and up. I hope he/she is fast on their little leprechaun feet!
Link to ITD's New's Brief on this story: http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/Apps/MediaManagerMVC/NewsClipping.aspx/Preview/62520
Kootenai County - CITYLINK SERVICE REDUCTION - Summary Sheet - FAQ's
Summary of Citylink and Citylink Paratransit Service Changes, March 2012
The “B” route will be reconfigured to pick up many of the riders who used to rely on the “A” Route.
Citylink will still serve Post Falls from Riverstone on Seltice and Mullan Avenue north and south of Interstate 90.
Service will be expanded north of Mullan Avenue on Idaho Street to Poleline, then Poleline to Spokane Street to serve the residential area and to access the Post Falls Library.
Two-way service will be provided between Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Hayden eliminating much of the current loop routing.
More bus stops will be added along the routes, which will make transit access more convenient for riders.
By providing more stops along the fixed routes, this may decrease the distance riders have to walk to their final destination and provide better access to service.
With more stops, the ridership may also redistribute to the new bus stops, thereby making loading and unloading at each stop quicker and easier.
Buses will no longer go directly into the NIC campus. Transit stops will be provided on Northwest Boulevard at Hubbard and Mullan Avenues.
We have increased the frequency of the routes to provide hourly service as opposed to the current 85 minutes per trip.
The Link Route will provide easy two way (both inbound and outbound from Riverstone) access to the Kootenai Medical Center campus.
Citylink routes and stops will no longer use private property, which reduces potential liabilities, and travel time.
With the reduction in transit service area, the boundary of the Paratransit service area will also be reduced to coincide with the changes in routing and hours of service. This change will impact some current users of the paratransit service.
If you do not live within the new paratransit service area, but are eligible for paratransit service, you may still use the service if you are able to get to a connecting location within the paratransit service area. Please note that your ride outside of the paratransit service area will need to be your responsibility.
There are no changes contemplated for the Kootenai Medical Center transit service.
We have used what we’ve learned over the past several years to make improvements to the system, such as:
Adding approximately 125 more bus stops to the system.
Adding more two way service on the routes.
Decreasing wait time for riders by providing more frequent service.
Again, it is important to remember that this will be a sustainable building block upon which we can grow the system as more funding becomes available.
What do the changes look like? Major service changes are as follows:
Citylink bus service will end at 10 p.m., seven days a week.
The “A” route, which currently runs out to Stateline, will be eliminated. The “B” route will be reconfigured to pick up many of the riders who used to rely on the “A” Route.
Citylink will still serve Post Falls from Riverstone on Seltice and Mullan Avenue north and south of Interstate 90.
Service will be expanded north of Mullan Avenue on Idaho Street to Poleline, then Poleline to Spokane Street to serve the residential area and to access the Post Falls Library.
Two-way service will be provided between Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Hayden eliminating much of the current loop routing.
More bus stops will be added along the routes, which will make transit access more convenient for riders.
By providing more stops along the fixed routes, this may decrease the distance riders have to walk to their final destination and provide better access to service.
With more stops, the ridership may also redistribute to the new bus stops, thereby making loading and unloading at each stop quicker and easier.
Buses will no longer go directly into the NIC campus. Transit stops will be provided on Northwest Boulevard at Hubbard and Mullan Avenues.
We have increased the frequency of the routes to provide hourly service as opposed to the current 85 minutes per trip.
The Link Route will provide easy two way (both inbound and outbound from Riverstone) access to the Kootenai Medical Center campus.
Citylink routes and stops will no longer use private property, which reduces potential liabilities, and travel time.
With the reduction in transit service area, the boundary of the Paratransit service area will also be reduced to coincide with the changes in routing and hours of service. This change will impact some current users of the paratransit service.
If you do not live within the new paratransit service area, but are eligible for paratransit service, you may still use the service if you are able to get to a connecting location within the paratransit service area. Please note that your ride outside of the paratransit service area will need to be your responsibility.
There are no changes contemplated for the Kootenai Medical Center transit service.
Why is Citylink changing?
Citylink has not been a financially sustainable system for several years. These changes will allow us to bring the transit system in line with the funding available. And it creates a good building block for us to expand the system in the future as funding increases.
How and why were these changes chosen?
We looked at ridership numbers to determine where Citylink is used the most and attempted to make changes in a way that affected the fewest riders.
These proposed changes allow us to achieve the required cost savings while maintaining as much service as we can in the highest population centers.We have used what we’ve learned over the past several years to make improvements to the system, such as:
Adding approximately 125 more bus stops to the system.
Adding more two way service on the routes.
Decreasing wait time for riders by providing more frequent service.
Again, it is important to remember that this will be a sustainable building block upon which we can grow the system as more funding becomes available.
When will changes be implemented?
The changes are tentatively set to take place in mid to late April. Where can riders get more information about the changes?
An electronic version of the proposed changes is available on the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization website at www.kmpo.net.
A public open house will be held March 21 from 4-6 p.m. at the Kootenai County Administration Building on the first floor in Meeting Room 1A (451 N. Government Way, CdA).How do people submit comments regarding the changes?
Written comments can be submitted to:
Kootenai County Board of Commissioners, 451 North Government Way, PO Box 9000, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816-9000. Written public comments will be received until March 28, 2012.
Quick numbers on Citylink riders:
From February 2011-February 2012, an average of 48,200 people rode Citylink routes each month. Sixty-three percent (63%) of those riders rode the urban routes (A, B, and C routes in Post Falls, CdA and Hayden). Thirty-seven percent (37%) of riders rode the Link and Rural routes to Worley, Plummer, Tensed and DeSmet. In 2011, Citylink provided approximately 575,731 trips.
Quick numbers on Citylink Paratransit riders:
Since paratransit service startup in July of 2011, ridership has grown to nearly 1,000 trips per month. Monday, March 12, 2012
CITYLINK "TRANSIT SERVICE REDUCTIONS" - OPEN HOUSE March 21, 2012 (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Transit service reductions are being planned for the Kootenai County Transit System operated as Citylink and Citylink Paratransit system, due to the lack of additional government funding being available. Kootenai County is looking at reducing transit service. The service reduction map is available to view at the link to KMPO 's website below:
http://www.kmpo.net/Data_Publications/Transit%20Proposed%20Service%20Reductions%203-8-12/Bus_Routes_Chg_EL.pdf
Here is the public notice published in the Coeur d'Alene Press last week. Here is your chance to provide input on the proposed service reductions.
http://www.kmpo.net/Data_Publications/Transit%20Proposed%20Service%20Reductions%203-8-12/Bus_Routes_Chg_EL.pdf
Here is the public notice published in the Coeur d'Alene Press last week. Here is your chance to provide input on the proposed service reductions.
Public Notice - Transit Service Reductions Open House
Notice is hereby given that the Kootenai County Transit System operated as Citylink and Citylink Paratransit intends to seek comments from the public regarding proposed transit service reductions including a reduction in service hours and changes in routing which will impact the entire transit system including the paratransit service area.
A public Open House will be held on March 21, 2012 from 4 – 6PM at the Kootenai County Administration Building, 451 N. Government Way in Meeting Room 1A (on the First Floor) to discuss the changes and receive public comments. Written public comments on service reductions may also be submitted to the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners, 451 Government Way, P.O. Box 9000, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816-9000. Written public comments will be received until March 28, 2012.
The proposed changes will be available for review at the Kootenai County Board of Commissioner’s Office, 451 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene during normal business hours. An electronic version of the proposed service reductions will be available on the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization website: www.kmpo.net beginning March 8, 2012.
For special accommodations/translation services, citizens can call (208)446-1616 at least 48 hours in advance of the Open House. Kootenai County assures nondiscrimination in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.L. 100.259), and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Transportation Bill - Nearing Eighth Short-term Deadline - March 31st
The transportation bill fell short by just eight votes yesterday in the Senate House. The Highway Trust Fund that provides funding for transportation programs is due to expire on March 31, 2012. The last long term transportation plan passed by Congress expired in 2009 and lawmakers have kept the programs going through a series of eight short-term expansions. The leaders in both the House and the Senate are continuing to negotiate on a list of acceptable agreements.
The bill could be passed in five days after getting an agreement, but leaders must put the package together and it is reported that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., are responsible for coming up with the amendments. Hopefully, the lawmakers can come up with a solution to the bill that the majority can agree with.
See the latest full stories regarding the transportation bill at the following links: http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/Apps/MediaManagerMVC/NewsClipping.aspx/Preview/62387
http://www.joc.com/washington/senate-would-act-quickly-transport-bill-boxer-says
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
KMPO Monthly Board Meeting March 8th, 2012, This Thursday
The monthly Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization (KMPO) Board Meeting is this Thursday, March 8th, 2012 @ 1:30 p.m. at the City of Post Falls, Council Chambers, 408 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, WA. The general public/citizens are always welcome to attend. The agenda is shown below:
KMPO Board Meeting
March 8, 2012 1:30 pm
Post Falls City Council Chambers,Post Falls City Hall, 1st Floor
408 N. Spokane Street, Post Falls, Idaho
AGENDA
1. Call to Order – Clay Larkin, Chair
2. Approval of January 5, 2011 KMPO Board Meeting Minutes
3. Public Comments
4. KCATT Recap & Recommendations
a. KMPO Travel Demand Model Population and Housing Projections
5. Administrative Matters
a. January 2012 KMPO Expenditures Report
b. February 2012 KMPO Expenditures Report
c. KMPO Draft 2013 Budget Discussion
d. KMPO RFQ & I for Legal and Audit Services Update
e. ITD & KMPO Memorandum of Understanding Update
6. Public Transportation
a. Citylink Status Report – Alan Eirls
b. KMC Status Report – Toby Ruhs
d. Kootenai County Report– Christine Fueston
e. Rural Mobility Manager’s Report – Clif Warren
f. KMPO Public Transportation Plan Update
7. Other Business
a. Travel Demand Model Update and Schedule – Bonnie Gow
8. Director’s Report
9. Board Member Comments
10. Adjournment
For special accommodation/translation services, call 1.208-930-4164, 48 hours in advance.
KMPO assures nondiscrimination in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
and Civil Rights Restoration Act of1987 (P.O. 100.259) and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
KMPO Board Meeting
March 8, 2012 1:30 pm
Post Falls City Council Chambers,
408 N. Spokane Street, Post Falls, Idaho
AGENDA
1. Call to Order – Clay Larkin, Chair
2. Approval of January 5, 2011 KMPO Board Meeting Minutes
3. Public Comments
4. KCATT Recap & Recommendations
a. KMPO Travel Demand Model Population and Housing Projections
5. Administrative Matters
a. January 2012 KMPO Expenditures Report
b. February 2012 KMPO Expenditures Report
c. KMPO Draft 2013 Budget Discussion
d. KMPO RFQ & I for Legal and Audit Services Update
e. ITD & KMPO Memorandum of Understanding Update
6. Public Transportation
a. Citylink Status Report – Alan Eirls
b. KMC Status Report – Toby Ruhs
d. Kootenai County Report– Christine Fueston
e. Rural Mobility Manager’s Report – Clif Warren
f. KMPO Public Transportation Plan Update
7. Other Business
a. Travel Demand Model Update and Schedule – Bonnie Gow
8. Director’s Report
9. Board Member Comments
10. Adjournment
For special accommodation/translation services, call 1.208-930-4164, 48 hours in advance.
KMPO assures nondiscrimination in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
and Civil Rights Restoration Act of1987 (P.O. 100.259) and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Buying a new car? NEW Quick Response (QR) Codes and Your Smartphone Help You Make the Right Choice
Gasoline Vehicles Here's the New Dealership Label, Learn more about it:
1. Vehicle Technology & Fuel
The upper right corner of the label displays text and a related icon to identify it as a vehicle that is powered by gasoline. You will see different text and icons in the labels for other vehicles:- Diesel Vehicle
- Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
- Flexible-Fuel Vehicle: Gasoline-Ethanol (E85)
- Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle: Electricity-Gasoline
- Electric Vehicle
2. Fuel Economy
For gasoline vehicles, the label shows City, Highway, and Combined MPG (miles per gallon) values. The Combined MPG value is the most prominent for the purpose of quick and easy comparison across vehicles. Some form of the miles per gallon metric has been on vehicle labels since 1977. Combined fuel economy is a weighted average of City and Highway MPG values that is calculated by weighting the City value by 55% and the Highway value by 45%.3. Comparing Fuel Economy to Other Vehicles
This text indicates the category of the vehicle (e.g., Small SUV, Station Wagon, Pickup Truck, etc.) and the best and worst fuel economy within that category for the given model year. There are nine car categories, six truck categories, and a “special purpose vehicle” category. These categories are used only for labeling and consumer information purposes and do not serve any other regulatory purpose. For each model year, EPA publishes lists identifying the best and worst fuel economy performers in each category available at http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/data.htm.- Fuel Economy Leaders
- Lowest Fuel Economy Models
- Highest Fuel Economy by Vehicle Class
- Lowest Fuel Economy by Vehicle Class
Note: for those vehicles that do not use liquid fuels--such as electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles operating on electricity, and compressed natural gas vehicles-- the labels display miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe). Think of this as being similar to MPG, but instead of presenting miles per gallon of the vehicle’s fuel type, it represents the number of miles the vehicle can go using a quantity of fuel with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline. This allows a reasonable comparison between vehicles using different fuels. For example, you can use MPGe to compare a compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle with a gasoline vehicle; even though CNG is not dispensed or burned in actual gallons.
4. You Save/Spend More over 5 Years Compared to Average Vehicle
The label shows the estimated fuel cost over a five-year period for the vehicle compared to the average new vehicle. If the vehicle would save the consumer money compared to the average vehicle, the label would state, “You save $x,xxx in fuel costs over 5 years compared to the average new vehicle.” If the vehicle would be more expensive to operate than the average vehicle, the label would state, “You spend $x,xxx more in fuel costs over 5 years compared to the average new vehicle.” These estimates are based on driving 15,000 miles per year, for five years, and the projected fuel price for the year ($3.70 per gallon of gasoline in this example). For more information on the source of projected fuel prices see “10. Details in Fine Print”.5. Fuel Consumption Rate
While a miles per gallon (MPG) estimate is a required feature that has appeared on the fuel economy label for several decades, this metric can be potentially misleading when consumers compare fuel economy improvements, particularly when they use it in place of fuel costs. The following chart shows the non-linear relationship between gallons used over a given distance and miles per gallon. The fuel savings, in gallons, for a vehicle that gets 10 MPG versus a vehicle that gets 15 MPG is about 33 gallons (assuming 1000 miles). On the other hand, the fuel savings in gallons, for the same 5 MPG fuel economy jump, for a 30 MPG versus a 35 MPG vehicle is only about 5 gallons.
This “MPG illusion” demonstrates why it may be more meaningful to express fuel efficiency in terms of consumption (e.g., gallons per mile or per 100 miles) rather than in terms of economy (miles per gallon). A fuel consumption metric allows for more accurate energy usage comparisons among vehicles.
The revised label includes both fuel economy and consumption information for all vehicle types.
6. Estimated Annual Fuel Cost
The annual fuel cost is based on two assumptions: an annual mileage of 15,000 miles and a projected gasoline price. For more information on the source of projected fuel prices see "Details in Fine Print”.7. Fuel Economy & Greenhouse Gas Rating
The new label assigns each vehicle a rating from 1 (worst) to 10 (best) for fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (i.e., how much carbon dioxide the vehicle’s tailpipe emits each mile), as shown below. Consumers may note that higher fuel economy is associated with a better GHG emissions profile.| Rating | MPG | CO2 (g/mile) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 38+ | 0-236 |
| 9 | 31-37 | 237-290 |
| 8 | 27-30 | 291-334 |
| 7 | 23-26 | 335-394 |
| 6 | 22 | 395-412 |
| 5 | 19-21 | 413-479 |
| 4 | 17-18 | 480-538 |
| 3 | 15-16 | 539-612 |
| 2 | 13-14 | 613-710 |
| 1 | 0-12 | 711+ |
8. CO2 Emissions Information
This text provides three key pieces of information:Combined city/highway CO2 tailpipe emissions
The labeled vehicle’s CO2 tailpipe emissions are based on tested tailpipe CO2 emission rates. The rate of CO2 emissions is displayed in grams per mile.
Vehicle with lowest CO2 emissions
The label identifies the lowest tailpipe CO2 emissions of available vehicles. If there are electric or fuel cell vehicles on the market, which by definition have zero tailpipe emissions, this value will be zero grams per mile.
Learn more about emissions from the production of fuels at www.fueleconomy.gov
Driving your vehicle can yield both greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from your vehicle's tailpipe and GHG emissions related to the production of the fuel used to power your vehicle. For example, activities associated with fuel production such as feedstock extraction, feedstock transport to a processing plant, and conversion of feedstock to motor fuel, as well as distribution of the motor fuel, can all produce GHG emissions.
The Fuel Economy and Environment Label provides a Greenhouse Gas Rating, from 1 (worst) to 10 (best), based on your vehicle's tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions only, and this rating does not reflect any GHG emissions associated with fuel production.
You can estimate the total GHG emissions that would be associated with driving an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, including GHG emissions from the production of electricity used to power the vehicle, with our greenhouse gas calculator.
9. Smog Rating
This is a rating for vehicle tailpipe emissions of those pollutants that cause smog and other local air pollution. This information, listed as “Smog” on the labels, will be displayed using a slider bar with a scale of 1 (worst) to 10 (best). The scale is based on the U.S. vehicle emissions standards, which incorporate specific thresholds for nitrogen oxide, non-methane organic gas, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and formaldehyde. For those vehicles that run on electricity, the tailpipe emissions are zero.10. Details in Fine Print
This part of the label has a reminder that your fuel economy and emissions may be different due to a number of factors, such as how you drive and maintain your vehicle, how much you use air conditioning and other accessories, the weather, road conditions, how much the vehicle is loaded, and other factors. EPA periodically evaluates ways to improve our fuel economy estimates so they better reflect real-world driving. For more information on how your fuel economy can vary, or tips to improve your fuel economy, please see Gas Mileage Tips.This part of the label also details the assumptions that are used to determine the estimated annual fuel cost and the value used to compare 5-year costs to the average vehicle. EPA assumes annual mileage of 15,000 miles. The price of gasoline listed on new vehicle labels is based on projections from the U.S. Energy Information Administration for the applicable model year. It will typically be updated annually in coordination with the Department of Energy. Since EPA won't publish the fuel prices for 2013 model year labeling until 2012, the sample labels include an example price that is intended for illustrative purposes only.
11. QR Code®*
When you are looking for a new vehicle at a dealership, you will be able to scan the QR Code® on the new label using your smartphone, provided you have downloaded a scanner app. The QR Code® will link you to helpful tools and additional information about the vehicle. The same tools and information are available on www.fueleconomy.gov.
12. fueleconomy.gov
The label directs you to the fueleconomy.gov web site, where you can compare vehicles and enter personalized information (e.g., local gas prices and individual driving habits) to get the best possible cost and energy-use estimates.Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Pleasant View & SH 53 Grade Separation Project by Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)
ITD (District 1) is in the process of designing the "Pleasant View Rd & SH 53" Grade Separation Project. The following is the outline of the project as reported by ITD:
Pleasant View Road is a two lane north-south rural major-collector road in Kootenai County, within the Post Falls Highway District. It crosses the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) mainline near Highway 53. Pleasant View Road currently carries over 3000 vehicles per day. The BNSF line carries between 50 and 58 trains per day. Pleasant View Road crossing is currently protected by standard railroad gates and signals. This project will design Pleasant View Road to pass over three BNSF tracks and Highway 53. Preliminary thoughts on design are outlined below.
- The design of the overpass will accommodate SH-53 being expanded to four lanes in the future. Until that expansion occurs, SH-53 will remain two lanes, with possible additional turn bays in needed locations, as funding becomes available.
- The design will construct a diamond interchange at Pleasant View Road and SH-53.
- Pleasant View Road will be widened to four (4) lanes.
- New traffic signals will be installed at the ramps.
- The Hauser Lake Road / SH-53 intersection will be replaced with a cul-de-sac on the north side of the highway.
- A new connector road will link Hauser Lake Road to Pleasant View Road north of 53. Extending that to Hollister Hills Road will be investigated as part of the alternatives analysis.
A public meeting was held on February 9, 2012 at Hauser Lake City Hall. If you missed it, you can still ask questions and provide feedback.
For additional information and /or contact information, please go to the link below:
http://itd.idaho.gov/projects/d1/PleasantviewRd_SH53_GradeProject/default.asp
CITYLINK Transit System - Local Coeur d'Alene Bus Service -Changes Planned
The Coeur d'Alene Press recently published a story regarding the local CityLink transit service here in Kootenai County. Kootenai County has a population of over 138,000 which has 98,000 within just the urbanized area. Citylink offers free bus service, which includes routes within the metropolitan area of Kootenai County as well as making trips to the Tribe's, Coeur d' Alene Casino. The service has been in operation since 2006 and averaged 48,000 riders per month in 2011. Citylink is a partnership among several agencies, but the Coeur d'Alene tribe has been the largest contributor to the transit system, contributing well over and above the required federal match amount every year. Due to the current level of funding it is no longer sustainable. There may be a change in the service provided unless other funding is found. It's too early to speculate what changes to the transit service will be, but the public will have an opportunity to provide input during the process. A public meeting will be held sometime in March 2012. I'll post the meeting date as soon as it becomes available. To see the full story by the Coeur' Alene Press please visit the following link. http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_d7d33165-bada-57b2-8e9e-d02d8fdde3ad.html?mode=image&photo=0
And, To visit Citylink site see the following link: http://idahocitylink.com/
Monday, February 13, 2012
Bills to be Considered on the House Floor This Week - Transportation Bill
With everyones attention tuned in, and anxiously awaiting the outcome of the "H.R. 7 American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012" - (aka, Transportation Bill) on the House Floor this week, I thought it might be a good idea to post this website "Office of the Clerk/US House of Representatives, where you can actually watch the House Floor Proceedings "live" video, or check back later for a recap. You can also view what's on the Congressional Agenda Schedule for the week, plus everything you have always wanted to know about how the Legislative Process works or how to contact your Representative. Check it out, it's very interesting: http://clerk.house.gov/legislative/index.aspx
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