The U.S. is an expensive place to build transit resources. A move from Congress to ban Chinese rail cars over espionage fears may exacerbate that problem.
Some in Congress hope to ban the purchase of Chinese rail cars from China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, to avoid the becoming the site of spying or hacking. American public transportation has been targeted by hackers in the past. "Chinese hackers have not been accused of the transit ransomware attacks, but they have been blamed for hacking other U.S. government agencies and businesses in an effort to gain intelligence and trade secrets," Candice Norwood reports for Governing.
"The increasing role of the China Railway Rolling Stock Corp. (CRRC) has prompted a bipartisan group of U.S. senators to introduce legislation that would prevent transit agencies from using federal funding for rail-car contracts with companies that are owned, controlled or subsidized by China," Norwood reports. The company has already sold rail cars to Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston.
Transit agencies generally choose the lowest bid for equipment. Doing otherwise would likely make transit projects more expensive, a problem the U.S. already struggles with. Officials from the Washington D.C. region's WMATA have suggested that if the federal government wants to keep their agency from using the most affordable option, the federal government should provide the funds to cover the difference.
FULL STORY: As China Builds Transit Cars for U.S. Cities, Congress Seeks to Ban Them
San Francisco’s BART Awarded $545 Loan for Upgraded Rail Cars
The agency plans to modernize its fleet with more efficient rail cars equipped with new safety features.
Portland Train Speed Limited by Extreme Heat
When temperatures hit 100 degrees, the city’s two train systems face challenges that force them to slow their speeds or stop operations altogether.
Boston Commuter Rail Recovering Rapidly
The ‘T’ is reworking its schedule to offer more reliable and flexible service, including more midday and weekend trains.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)