Letter: USDOT should improve vehicle safety ratings by including pedestrians in rear automated emergency braking systems

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is considering a new pedestrian safety measure for the federal government’s safety rating system (the “five-star” ratings that indicate to consumers whether a vehicle is safe). The proposed measure would incorporate whether a vehicle’s advance driver assistance systems technologies include pedestrian detection when the car is in reverse.…

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently asked for input on what research activities are needed to support the nationwide deployment of automated vehicles (AVs). In response, NACTO worked with our Autonomous Vehicles Working Group to submit a comprehensive list of recommended research priorities, aimed at ensuring the safe and accessible deployment of AVs in urban…

Last month, the Federal Transit Administration requested suggestions for updates to its Capital Investment Grants Policy Guidance. The CIG program helps transit agencies fund big projects, including the Blue Line Extension in Minneapolis and bus rapid transit in greater Charleston, SC. The policy guidance includes the process by which the FTA considers agencies for funding…

U.S. cities and transit agencies have proven, real-world experience delivering infrastructure projects that get people where they need to go—safely. NACTO’s recent letter to U.S. DOT names specific opportunities in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization to increase these local agencies’ impact and accelerate project delivery. Read the full letter>> Cities own and maintain the majority…

A new White House rule removing environmental regulations will cause project delay, confusion, and uncertainty, NACTO wrote in a recent comment letter.  Read the full letter>> Although NACTO supports meaningful reforms to the federal environmental review and permitting process, a new interim rule from the White House Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) that revokes all…