Airline CEOs call for end to federal mask mandate in letter to Biden
In making their case, executives cited the “persistent and steady decline” of hospitalizations and death rates related to the coronavirus.
Transportation
Articles
Natural gas company files eminent domain suit against property owners
Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line LP argues in the lawsuit it needs to acquire new easement rights so it can reroute two pipelines before urgent construction work can begin on Interstate 465 bridges above 96th Street.
Indy faces $1B annual transportation infrastructure funding gap, report says
The city of Indianapolis faces a huge funding gap to improve and maintain its roads, bridges, sidewalks and other transportation infrastructure—an amount approaching the city’s $1.3 billion annual budget—according to a new Department of Public Works report.
House Dems seek probe of Postal Service plan for new mail truck fleet
The plan largely ignores White House calls to replenish the mail-service fleet with electric vehicles and has drawn sharp criticism from the Biden administration, Democratic lawmakers and environmentalists.
Spot Freight plans to add 200 workers, expand office space
With its growing staff, Indianapolis-based logistics firm Spot Freight plans to expand into the recently-renovated Capital Center.
Uber charging customers new fuel fee for rides, delivery
The surcharge will be in effect for at least 60 days, after which Uber said it will assess the situation.
U.S. extends mask rule for travel while weighing new approach
The mask mandate was scheduled to expire March 18, but the Transportation Security Administration said Thursday that it will extend the requirement through April 18.
Fuel-price hikes hitting shippers, truckers across U.S. economy
For trucking fleets—which move 70% of the U.S.’s freight tonnage—the sudden jump in prices is set to hurt smaller operators who have to cover the extra fuel cost on the spot and wait for surcharges to be reimbursed, American Trucking Association Chief Economist Bob Costello said.
EPA rule would make heavy trucks cut smog, soot pollution
The proposal released Monday by the Environmental Protection Agency would require the industry to cut nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90% per truck over current standards by 2031.
IndyGo kicks off work on two-year, $188M Purple Line project
Nearly 70% of the total cost is set aside for infrastructure improvements, including sidewalks and stormwater drainage.
Cummins to acquire Meritor for $3.7B
Columbus-based Cummins said its acquisition of Michigan-based Meritor, a maker of electric axle and brake technology, will help accelerate Cummins’ electric and hybrid business.
Key U.S.-Canada bridge reopens after police clear protesters
The crossing normally carries 25% of all trade between the two countries, and the blockade on the Canadian side had disrupted business in both countries, with automakers forced to shut down several assembly plants.
Canadian judge orders end to blockade at border bridge
It was not immediately clear when or if law enforcement officers would be sent in to remove the demonstrators.
McGuinness stepping down as chief of Indiana Department of Transportation
Mike Smith, deputy commissioner and chief financial officer for INDOT, will succeed Joe McGuinness.
Cummins to acquire brake manufacturer for $325M
Cummins announced Wednesday that it’s signed an agreement to purchase Connecticut-based Jacobs Vehicle Systems from its current owner for $325 million. The deal is expected to close later this year.
Pandemic forces delay in fraud trial of former Celadon execs
The criminal case against former Celadon executives Eric Meek and Bobby Peavler had been scheduled to begin on Feb. 22, but the judge has rescheduled the trial because local COVID-19 positivity rates are too high.
Frontier offers $2.9B for Spirit to create low-cost airline combo
Frontier is offering to buy Spirit Airlines in a $2.9 billion cash-and-stock deal that will create the nation’s fifth largest carrier. The companies foresee adding 10,000 jobs internally.
Congress takes up controversy over 5G service near airports
Lawmakers wondered aloud Thursday how a showdown between two federal agencies over the rollout of new high-speed wireless service reached crisis proportions last month.
Tesla recall: ‘Full self-driving’ software runs stop signs
The recall of nearly 54,000 cars and SUVs shows that Tesla programmed its vehicles to violate the law in most states, where police will ticket drivers for disregarding stop signs.
Guidebook aims to help communities tap $1T in infrastructure funds
The book from the Biden administration is meant to level the playing field by making it easier for smaller cities, tribal leaders, not-for-profits and faith-based groups to compete for money that usually only lobbyists know how to access.