Transportation : Innovation + Job News

General Motors is still recovering from its declaration of bankruptcy in June of 2009, and reorganization across the company is now resulting in increased community outreach at GM's transmission production facilities in White Marsh, north of Baltimore.

Allison Transmission/GM Powertrain of White Marsh was selected in early 2010 as the site of its electric motor production plant, with the first electric vehicle and hybrid transmission hardware set to come off the line there in 2013. In advance of groundbreaking on the $246 million, 40,000 square-foot building in May of this year, employees and executives including plant manager Bill Tiger are taking part in activities like a wildlife habitat cleanup that took place near the existing plant on April 7. Fifth-grade students from Chapel Hill Elementary School in nearby Perry Hall learned about hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles under development by GM as well as GM-Baltimore Operations (GMBO) efforts to reduce energy intensity through efficient lighting and waste-to-energy conversion systems.

As Bill Tiger observed after the event, "It went really, really well -- we got 200 trees planted for a wildlife habitat and the kids worked their way through some recycling exercises seeing what you can and can't recycle. They seemed really excited and really engaged."

In addition to wanting to come back to see the trees grow, Tiger says the students displayed an impressive understanding of advanced propulsion technology, which includes electric vehicles, hybrid EVs, and fuel cell vehicles. "They had a good grasp on it -- I asked, 'Who knows what biofuel is?' and they said, 'French fry grease!'"

Baltimore-area residents will be able to get a look at the existing plant and see the groundbreaking of the hybrid drivetrain facility, as well as the cars and trucks slated to be produced there, at an open house at GMBO in White Marsh on May 18.

Writer: Sam Hopkins
Source: Bill Tiger, Plant Manager, General Motors Baltimore Operations/Allison Transmission

Speaking at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School on February 16, Veolia Transportation CEO Mark Joseph highlighted the past and present of his company's involvement in Baltimore transportation, and what other cities are doing with technology to improve mobility. Veolia operates the Johns Hopkins shuttle, the city's free downtown Circulator buses, airport Super Shuttle service, and the city's Yellow Cab, which is the oldest in the United States.

Veolia also operates the T system in Boston and the Las Vegas bus system, which has been one of the most successful models nationwide for getting tourists to ride buses. Joseph says that as 2-way radio enabled faster pickups of cab fares and replaced hub-based taxi dispatch systems, greater data availability via GPS is leading to more efficient public transportation. Veolia plans to make an increasing amount of data on its Baltimore operations available over the internet in the near future.

In the larger market of Boston, iPhone app developers and other technologists have taken hold of Veolia and Massachusetts Department of Transportation data to provide precise location services to transit riders and cab customers. In addition to smart phones with app capabilities, any SMS-enabled phone can send and receive information about T service in Boston via resources like T Tracker, and nearby taxis are now visible to customers with Taxi Magic. Baltimore's public transportation efforts are likely to get a boost in 2011 from greater open-source development of similar tools and Veolia's work to make transit data more transparent.

Writer: Sam Hopkins
Source: Veolia

It's been a record year for the Port of Baltimore. For the second time this year, more automobiles passed through the public marine terminals at the Port of Baltimore in a single month than in any other month in the Port's history. In October, 42,830 cars traveled through Baltimore's public docks, breaking the record of 38,053 cars that was set in March. Before March, the Port's previous record for most cars handled was 37,552 in July 2008, before the national economic recession. October's total is also 25 percent higher than October 2009's total of 34,057 cars.

"These automobile numbers demonstrate that the Port of Baltimore is successfully weathering the storm that is the recent national economic downturn," says Gov.r Martin O'Malley. "This is good news for the thousands of men and women that depend on the Port-related jobs to support their families. A strong Port of Baltimore helps build a stronger Maryland."

The news highlights the important role the Port's auto business plays in the local economy. Auto shipments are up 33 percent over the same period in 2009. Earlier this year, BMW began fulfilling its five-year commitment to ship 50,000 new cars annually through Baltimore. The agreement has led to the creation of some 200 new jobs. In addition, Ford began shipping their Fiesta car through the Port this year. All total, approximately 1,150 jobs have been created as a direct result of the Port's automotive contracts..

In 2009, the Port of Baltimore handled about 375,000 cars. Baltimore ranks second among all U.S. ports for exporting cars.

During the summer, the Port announced it had handled more TEU containers for three consecutive months than at any other time in its history.

The Port of Baltimore generates about 16,700 direct jobs. Out of about 360 U.S. ports, Baltimore is ranked number one for handling imported roll on/roll off (farm and construction equipment) and imported forest products, gypsum, and sugar. The Port is responsible for about $3.7 billion in personal wage and salary income. Activities at the Port of Baltimore generate nearly $400 million in state and local taxes.

Source: Maryland Port Authority
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Exports support 11.8 million jobs in the U.S., according to Export Nation, a recent Brookings study. The report found that export activity is highly concentrated, with more than 65 percent of exports and export-related jobs in the nation's top 100 metropolitan areas. The 10 metro areas with the highest value of exports produced about 43 percent of all the top 100 metro areas' exports in 2008. The Baltimore metro area falls in the top third of that category, producing $9 billion in annual exports and more than 74,000 export-related jobs.

The Baltimore area exported 6.8 percent of goods the area produced in 2008, according to the report, and total exports have grown an average of 7.1 percent annually from 2003 to 2008. Wages in the area's top export industry, chemical manufacturing, averaged $70,965, compared to an average annual salary of $66,449 for the leading export industry in the top 100 metro areas. Maryland's exports reached a record high of $11.4 billion in 2008, growing at a rate of 27 percent. In 2008, Maryland exported goods to 200 countries.

The report also concluded that a significant increase in U.S. exports could dramatically improve job opportunities for those without college degrees. Export-intensive industries pay higher wages than domestic-oriented industries in large metro areas. For every $1 billion in exports of a metro-area industry, workers in that industry earn roughly 1 percent to 2 percent higher wages.

Future export growth will come increasingly from large emerging markets. U.S. exports to Brazil, India and China have been increasing rapidly during the last decade, doubling in size between 2003 and 2008. The metropolitan areas that produce the largest U.S. exports to the BICs are well-positioned to take advantage of the growth of these countries.

Source: Brookings Institute
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is asking for public comments on the proposed goals for Plan It 2035, the next long-range transportation plan for the Baltimore region.

Plan It 2035 will outline how to best allocate funding to meet the region's transportation needs and challenges over the next 25 years. Federal law requires that each metropolitan area's long-range transportation plan be updated every 4 years. Three years have passed since the latest plan - Transportation Outlook 2035 - was approved. Now it's time to take another look at our transportation systems and the challenges the region will face over the next quarter-century.

One of the first steps the BRTB is taking in this process is to develop goals for Plan It 2035. The draft goals are:

1. Improve Transportation System Safety
2. Preserve the Existing Infrastructure
3. Improve Accessibility
4. Increase Mobility
5. Preserve the Environment
6. Improve Transportation System Security
7. Promote Prosperity and Economic Opportunity
8. Foster Inter-jurisdictional Participation and Cooperation

Each draft goal includes strategies for implementation. The goals and strategies may be viewed online.

The draft goals are open for public review and comment through Tuesday, September 14.

A public meeting to answer questions and accept comments will be held on Tuesday, August 31 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (2700 Lighthouse Point East, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21224). Comments may be submitted at this public meeting or during the Public Comment Opportunity at the BRTB meeting** on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 9:00 am (tentative vote).

The public is also invited to review and comment on the proposed goals for Plan It 2035 in writing. Comments may be submitted to:

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board
2700 Lighthouse Point East, Suite 310
Baltimore, MD 21224
Fax: 410-732-8248
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: Public comment form

Comments submitted by mail must be received no later than 3 days after the end of the comment period to be considered.

The number of cars passing through the Port of Baltimore is increasing with the arrival of new Ford Fiestas. The imported vehicles, which began arriving June 24 onboard a K Line roll on/roll off vessel, will continue arriving throughout the rest of this year at the Port's Dundalk Marine Terminal.

"We are happy to welcome more Ford products to the Port of Baltimore," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. Good-paying, family supporting auto jobs at the Port benefit greatly when more cars come through Baltimore. Ford's decision to bring more cars to Baltimore is another good sign for Maryland as we begin our recovery from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression."

The number of autos handled at the Port of Baltimore has risen about 16 percent over the same time last year. Earlier this year, BMW began shipping the first of 50,000 new vehicles that will make their way through the Port of Baltimore annually for the next five years. That contract has created about 200 new jobs.

The Port of Baltimore also serves as the primary port of entry for the Ford Transit Connect van. Baltimore also receives about 85 percent of the 35,000 vans that are imported into the U.S. annually.

Automobiles are one of the main commodities handled at the Port of Baltimore's public marine terminals. Approximately 1,150 direct jobs at the Port are generated by the Port's auto business.

In 2009, the Port of Baltimore handled about 375,000 cars total.

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) recently announced that more cars, trucks, and vans passed through the Port of Baltimore in March than at any time in at least the last ten years. In March, 38,053 automobiles came through the Port's public terminals. The Port's previous record for most cars handled was 37,552 in July 2008. In January 2009, impacted by the global economic recession, auto volumes at the Port dropped to 13,558 cars.

The Port of Baltimore has created about 16,700 direct jobs. Of the roughly 360 U.S. ports, Baltimore is ranked number one for handling roll on/roll off cargo; trucks; imported forest products; and imported gypsum, sugar and iron ore. The Port is responsible for about $3.7 billion in personal wage and salary income. The Port of Baltimore generates nearly $400 million in state and local taxes.

Source: Department of Transportation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Baltimore County residents will soon see the impact from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant. County Executive Jim Smith is using $8 million of the funding to resurface roads throughout the county. 

The resurfacing of McCormick Road (1.8 miles from York Road to Beaver Dam Road) is the first in a series of projects that will stretch over the next two years. This event marks federal funds reaching the County to create/preserve jobs.

The grant is limited to minor arterial and collector roads - local, residential streets are excluded - and the 18 roads, covering more than 26 miles, selected for resurfacing have been apportioned evenly among the council districts:

•District 1, Westchester and Dogwood
•District 2, Sugarcone, Greenspring, and Gwynbrook
•District 3, Freeland, Graystone, and McCormick
•District 4, Dogwood and St. Lukes
•District 5, Fairmount and Hillsway
•District 6, Hazelwood, Lillian Holt, and Wilson Point
•District 7, Holabird, Merritt, and Stemmers Run 

"In every crisis, there is an opportunity, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is making the most of this opportunity by investing in projects such as educational programs and infrastructure improvements, the kind of projects that create jobs and strengthen the foundation of our communities," says Smith. "This groundbreaking legislation is investing $787 billion in the future of our nation, giving communities across our country a much needed injection of cash that has helped curb the effects of this recession and put our economy on the path to recovery."


Source: Baltimore County Development Corporation
Writer: Walaika Haskins

As part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) has ponied up a $240,000 grant to Maryland  to fund apprenticeship and training programs for transportation-related careers. The grant is part of the Federal Highway Administration's On the Job Training/Supportive Services (OJT/SS) program to help recruit and retain minorities, women and disadvantaged people on highway constructions projects in Maryland.

"Programs that help improve skills translate into jobs, particularly higher-paying jobs," says Sen. Ben Cardin. "Our economic recovery depends on making sure that Marylanders -- and all Americans -- have the skills and training that are needed for jobs in the 21^st Century."

"The Recovery Act is about jobs, jobs, jobs," Sen. Barbara Mikulski says. "This funding will help people who need a job and can't find one. And it will help people who want to keep a job or move up in a job but need more training. It is an investment in Marylanders and also an investment in Maryland's future."

The Maryland grant was included in the announcement of $11.8 million from DoT in ARRA job training grants for 19 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. Created in 1998, the OJT/SS program promotes training opportunities for women and minorities who continue to be underrepresented in the highway construction industry's skilled and semi-skilled crafts, such as masonry and carpentry.

Source: Senator Ben Cardin
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has launched a new program to promote the use of electric vehicles in Maryland. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (EVIP) initiative will provide aid in the installation of Electric Vehicle Recharging units and Truck Stop Electrification. The new program, run by MEA and the Maryland Clean Cities Coalition will provide $1 million during the current fiscal year in grants to state and local governments as well as nonprofits and private entities.

The announcement follows Gov. Martin O'Malley's introduction of an Electric Vehicle Tax Credit bill during 2010 legislative session. The proposed bill provides Maryland residents with up to $2,000 in tax incentives to help defray the upfront costs of purchasing electric vehicles.

"These grants represent the future of sustainable transportation," says Gov. O'Malley. "Today's announcement is part of our long term commitment to lead by example in energy advancements and create cleaner, less expensive, and more fuel efficient transportation options for our citizens."

The grants will assist organizations in purchasing and installing Electric Vehicle Recharging units and Truck Stop Electrification systems. Several plug-in electric vehicles are expected to be commercially available later this year, including the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. These vechicles will reduce the amount of liquid petroleum utilized in the state while also reducing our carbon footprint and promoting energy independence. Interested parties may download the application from the MEA website.

"The Maryland Energy Administration is thrilled to be able to partner with Clean Cities to make continued strides in promoting electric vehicles and accelerate our transition to a cleaner energy future," says MEA Director Malcolm Woolf, "Maryland is moving to take advantage of this exciting technology, which promises to reduce fuel bills, improve air quality, and reduce our dependence on oil imports."

Source: Maryland Energy Administration
Writer: Walaika Haskins

Ports America Chesapeake (PAC), a subsidiary of Ports America has successfully closed on a 50-year lease and concession agreement to operate the Seagirt Marine Terminal (Seagirt) in the Port of Baltimore. The concession was approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works on December 16, 2009.

The agreement provides more than $1.3 billion in value to the state, will create 5,700 jobs, and deliver more than $15 million annually in new tax revenues. Perhaps as important, as part of the deal PAC will provide 100 percent of the funding to implement the Maryland Port Administration's (MPA) long-standing vision and commitment to make Baltimore one of only two eastern ports capable of handling the large "Super Post Panamax" container ships that will begin calling the East Coast upon the completion of the Panama Canal widening project in 2014.

"I share Gov. Martin O'Malley's passion for the Port of Baltimore, and creating high quality jobs so critical to the Port's future and Maryland's competitiveness on the Atlantic seaboard," says Christopher Lee, founder and managing partner of Highstar Capital.

"Baltimore is one of the best, most efficient ports in the country," he continues. "I'm very proud to be a partner with the State of Maryland and look forward to our long association in making sure Baltimore maintains its great maritime heritage."

"We're proud and excited to work with the Maryland Port Administration, the International Longshoremen's Association, and all our ocean carrier customers, including Mediterranean Shipping Company and Evergreen, to help make this historic American port the most competitive facility on the East Coast," adds Ports America Chesapeake CEO Mark Montgomery.

Ports America is the largest independent American terminal operator and stevedore, with operations in 44 ports and 84 terminals. Ports America and its predecessor companies have served in the Port of Baltimore for over 88 years and have operated Seagirt since it was opened in 1990. Ports America Chesapeake is the newly formed affiliate of Ports America that will be the day-to-day operator of Seagirt.

Source: Ports America Chesapeake
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The long-awaited Charm City Circulator hybrid buses, Baltimore's free downtown zero-emission transportation alternative, will make its inaugural run on Monday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m.

The Circulator will initially operate along the Orange Route, an east to west journey running through the Pratt and Lombard streets corridor. This route takes riders in a loop past the B&O Railroad Museum, the University of Maryland Biopark, University Hospital, and University of Maryland professional schools, Camden Yards and the Convention Center, Inner Harbor, and Harbor East.

The buses will run in 10-minute intervals, 7 days a week. Text alerts will let you know when the next Charm City Circulator will arrive.

Both the Green Route, which will connect Johns Hopkins Hospital with Fells Point and Harbor East, and the Purple Route, connecting Federal Hill and the Cross Street Market area with Penn Station, will launch in the spring.

The Charm City Circulator, according the manufacturer, once fully launched will be the largest fleet in the country.

In advance of the new hybrid transportations release, Mayor Dixon announced recently the implementation of bike and bus lanes along Pratt and Lombard streets between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and President Street. The specially-stripeed reserved lanes give priority to bicyclists and buses. Although drivers will be able to use the lanes to make right turns, violators driving within the reserved lanes will receive a $90 ticket and possible points on their drivers license

Source: Charm City Circulator
Writer: Walaika Haskins.

Getting around Downtown Annapolis just got cheaper. Bus riders can board any Annapolis Transit bus from Compromise Street (on the Annapolis side of the Spa Creek Bridge) to Westgate Circle, including Duke of Gloucester Street, Main, and West Streets and Church Circle, for free. However, passengers must be traveling within the Free Fare Zone for free travel. Passengers riding beyond Westgate Circle will be charged regular fare. Downtown bus routes include the Yellow, Gold, Brown and Green.

In addition, the Annapolis Transit also operates two FREE shuttles from the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Navy Blue & State Shuttle

The Navy Blue Shuttle offers the best way for visitors to experience Annapolis without having to drive. Navy Blue goes to Historic Annapolis and Inner West Street.

The State Shuttle makes a constant loop between Navy Stadium and the legislative buildings. Although primarily a commuter tool for the hundreds of state employees located in Annapolis, anyone can catch the State Shuttle to access stadium parking.

The two shuttle systems complement one another, State Shuttle leaves every five minutes during peak rush hour and every 15 minutes all other times. Navy Blue leaves on the hour and half-hour. Together, the shuttles provide a consistent stream of transit service to the downtown area.

The buses operate, Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m.to 8:00 p.m. The State Shuttle runs until 10:00 p.m. on Monday's during legislative session. On weekends, Saturday and Sunday the buses operate from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Navy Blue Only), except during major holidays and special stadium events.


Source: Annapolis Transit
Writer: Walaika Haskins

The Port of Baltimore is setting records again, namely an all-time cruise passenger record for one sailing. The record is for most cruise passengers in one calendar year. On a September 19th sailing of the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas, the Port surpassed its previous mark of 104,253 embarked passengers set in 2004 during a year when the Port offered a then-record 60 cruises. Through October 22nd , a total of 125,248 passengers have left on cruises from the Cruise Maryland terminal at the Port of Baltimore.

"This sends a strong message to the international cruise industry that this port, this city, and this state can effectively handle an increased amount of cruise business," says Gov. Martin O'Malley. "Despite an extremely challenging economy, most of our cruises have sailed near maximum capacity. Our area's large population market and our cruise terminal's outstanding location right off Interstate 95 provide us unique advantages."

Through October 22nd , 60 cruises have sailed from Baltimore this year. A ship's total passenger capacity is based upon the number of available staterooms at dual occupancy per room. When a family of four occupies a stateroom, the dual capacity for that room is exceeded.

The Port's 81 homeport cruises in 2009 are expected to have an economic impact of some $152 million in its first year of all-seasonal cruising. In addition to year-round service provided by Carnival, other cruise lines sailing from the Cruise Maryland terminal this year are: Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Deilmann. This year, the Port expects about 165,000 passengers to cruise from Baltimore.

Last year, 27 cruises left from Baltimore with an economic impact of nearly $63 million. About 47,000 passengers cruised from the Port of Baltimore in 2008 when two cruise lines offered service. In 2010, the Port will offer a record 92 cruises, including additional year-round service from Royal Caribbean. The Port of Baltimore is the closest East Coast drive-to port from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Indianapolis and Chicago. Baltimore is also within a three-hour drive from the New York City metro area. The Cruise Maryland terminal is
only 2.5 miles from Baltimore's world famous Inner Harbor, 10 miles from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and
little more than an hour from three other major airports.

Source: Port of Baltimore
Writer: Walaika Haskins