IN THIS ISSUE WEEKLY TRANSPORTATION RECAP Co

April 13, 2018

WEEKLY TRANSPORTATION RECAP

IN THIS ISSUE

Co-Sponsor Memos Bill Actions Committee Stories Press Conferences Upcoming Events Session Schedule In the News

Co-Sponsor Memos

HCO3230 Toohil, Tarah(R) Creates a program to assist older youth in placement through child welfare with obtaining drivers education, training, and costs associated with maintaining an auto insurance policy.

Bill Actions

HB 163 Saccone, Rick(R) (PN 3327) Amends Title 4 (Amusements), Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), Title 23 (Domestic Relations) and Title 75 (Vehicles) eliminating the driver's license suspension for multiple non-driving infractions. Effective in 180 days. (Prior Printer Number: 127, 3123) Bill History: 04-11-18 Laid out for discussion 4:02pm 04-11-18 H 1 Floor amendment(s) adopted 04-11-18 Second consideration 4:06pm 04-11-18 H Over in House 04-11-18 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

HB 482 Roae, Brad(R) (PN 506) The State-Owned Vehicle Assignment Limitation Act provides that a state official may not be assigned a state-owned vehicle. Prohibits the use of Commonwealth funds to be used to lease a vehicle to or on behalf of a state official. The prohibition shall not apply to a state official whose official duties require assignment or lease of a vehicle for emergency response. Also provides for existing lease agreements. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 02-13-17 H Filed 02-14-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House State Government 04-10-18 H Informational meeting set for 10:00 a.m., Room G- 50, Irvis O, House State Government -- House State Government 04-10-18 H Informational meeting held House State Government

HB 1240 Marshall, Jim(R) (PN 3124) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) in certificate of title and security interests, further providing for content and effect of certificate of title and for theft vehicles. Establishes a threshold that triggers the need to retitle and establishes provisions for self- insurers. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1474) Bill History: 04-11-18 Laid out for discussion 4:58pm

04-11-18 H 1 Floor amendment(s) adopted 04-11-18 Second consideration 5:00pm 04-11-18 H Over in House 04-11-18 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

HB 1699 Marshall, Jim(R) (PN 3125) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in size, weight and load, further providing for operation of certain combinations on interstate and certain other highways, repealing provisions relating to operation of motor homes on interstate and certain other highways and further providing for width of vehicles and for length of vehicles. The stated intent of the bill is to allow 102-inch wide trailers on all Pennsylvania highways, while still allowing the department and municipalities the ability to restrict these vehicles where necessary on specific roadways. Certain provisions are effective in 180 days and the remainder takes effect immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 2283) Bill History: 04-11-18 H Set on the House Calendar 04-11-18 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 04-11-18 Laid out for discussion 3:36pm 04-11-18 Third consideration 3:37pm 04-11-18 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:189/N: 1)

HB 1845 Reed, Dave(R) (PN 2584) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 2026 over the North Branch Blacklick Creek, Buffington Township, Indiana County, as First Lieutenant Theodore P. Pytash Bridge. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2541) Bill History: 03-19-18 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 49/N: 0) 03-19-18 S Signed in the Senate 04-09-18 H Signed in the House 04-09-18 G In the hands of the Governor 04-19-18 G Last day for Governor's action

HB 1854 Keller, Fred(R) (PN 2585) Act designating a portion of U.S. Route 522 in Snyder County as the Staff Sgt. Stanley R. Saylor Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2555) Bill History: 03-27-18 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 48/N: 0) 03-27-18 S Signed in the Senate 04-09-18 H Signed in the House 04-09-18 G In the hands of the Governor 04-19-18 G Last day for Governor's action

HB 2018 Goodman, Neal(D) (PN 2899) Act designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 54 in West Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, as the Francis V. "Angie" McAndrew Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-10-18 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 04-10-18 Laid out for discussion 4:34pm 04-10-18 Third consideration 4:34pm 04-10-18 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:190/N: 0) 04-11-18 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Transportation

HB 2067 Taylor, John(R) (PN 3000) Act designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 73 in Philadelphia County as the Police Officer Isabel Nazario Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-10-18 H Set on the House Calendar 04-10-18 Laid out for discussion 11:43am 04-10-18 Third consideration 11:44am

04-10-18 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:196/N: 0) 04-11-18 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Transportation

HB 2084 Markosek, Joseph(D) (PN 3147) Act appropriating $2,935,000 from the Philadelphia Taxicab and Limousine Regulatory Fund and $200,000 from the Philadelphia Taxicab Medallion Fund to the Philadelphia Parking Authority for fiscal year July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Effective July 1, 2018, or immediately, whichever is later. Bill History: 04-11-18 H Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations 04-11-18 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 04-11-18 H First consideration 04-11-18 H Laid on the table 04-16-18 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

HB 2085 Markosek, Joseph(D) (PN 3148) Act appropriating $74,185,000 from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund and from Federal augmentation funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the fiscal year July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. $3,977,000 from the federal appropriation is allocated for natural gas pipeline safety and $2,090,000 from the federal appropriation is allocated for motor carrier safety. Effective July 1, 2018, or immediately, whichever is later. Bill History: 04-11-18 H Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations 04-11-18 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 04-11-18 H First consideration 04-11-18 H Laid on the table 04-16-18 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

HB 2096 Murt, Thomas(R) (PN 3025) Act designating a portion of State Route 2026, in Upper Moreland Township, Montgomery County, as the Corporal Michael Dennis Cooke Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-10-18 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 04-10-18 Laid out for discussion 4:35pm 04-10-18 Third consideration 4:36pm 04-10-18 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:190/N: 0) 04-11-18 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Transportation

HB 2174 Ortitay, Jason(R) Act making appropriations from the General Fund, Motor License Fund & Justice Reinvestment Fund to the Executive Offices for FY beginning July 1, 2018 & payment of bills incurred & unpaid at the close of FY ending June 30, 2019. Bill History: 04-09-18 H Filed

HB 2181 Ortitay, Jason(R) Act making appropriations from the General Fund, Tobacco Settlement Fund, Motor License Fund, HOME Investment Trust Fund & Ben Franklin Tech. Dev. Authority Fund to DCED, and for the payment of bills incurred & remaining unpaid. Bill History: 04-09-18 H Filed

HB 2182 Ortitay, Jason(R) Act making appropriations from the General Fund, Motor License Fund, PA Race Horse Dev. Restricted Receipts Account & State Racing Fund to Dept. of Agriculture, and for payment of bills incurred & remaining unpaid.

Bill History: 04-09-18 H Filed

HB 2184 Ortitay, Jason(R) Act making appropriations from the General Fund, Motor License Fund, Tuition Account Guaranteed Savings Program Fund & ABLE Savings Program Fund to Treasury Dept., and for payment of bills incurred & remaining unpaid. Bill History: 04-09-18 H Filed

HB 2193 Ortitay, Jason(R) Act making an approp. from the General Fund, Motor License Fund, Aviation Restricted Account & Multimodal Trans. Fund to the Dept. of Transportation, and for payment of bills incurred & remaining unpaid. Bill History: 04-09-18 H Filed

HB 2194 Ortitay, Jason(R) Act making appropriations from General Fund, State Stores Fund, Motor License Fund & Firearm Records Check Fund to the PA State Police for FY beginning July 1, 2018 & payment of bills incurred & unpaid at the close of FY ending June 30, 2019. Bill History: 04-09-18 H Filed

HB 2198 Ortitay, Jason(R) Act making approp. from General Fund, Motor License Fund & Oil & Gas Lease Fund to DCNR for FY beginning July 1, 2018 & payment of bills incurred & unpaid at the close of FY ending June 30, 2019. Bill History: 04-09-18 H Filed

HB 2224 Knowles, Jerry(R) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in financial responsibility, further providing for definitions. Bill History: 04-06-18 H Filed

HB 2225 Schlossberg, Mike(D) (PN 3282) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) adding a new section providing for automated enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights. Allows a school district to enter into an agreement with a private vendor or manufacturer to provide an automated side stop signal arm enforcement system on each bus within its fleet, whether owned or leased, up to and including the installation, operation and maintenance of the system. Further provides for the duties of the school district or contracted company; the police and police department; and the manufacturer or vendor. Also establishes the School Bus Safety Grant Program Fund as a restrict receipts account in the Motor License Fund. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-06-18 H Filed 04-06-18 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 2231 Ortitay, Jason(R) Act making approps from the General Fund to the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018, and for the payment of bills incurred & remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018. Bill History: 04-09-18 H Filed

HB 2254 Reed, Dave(R) (PN 3319) Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 286 over the Two Lick Creek, Borough of Clymer, Indiana County, as the Corporal Louis R. Tate Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-10-18 H Filed

04-11-18 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 2256 Topper, Jesse(R) (PN 3321) Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 36 over Three Springs Run, South Woodbury Township, Bedford County, as the Marine Lance Corporal Darrell Magruder Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-10-18 H Filed 04-11-18 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 2257 Topper, Jesse(R) (PN 3322) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 1001 over Imlertown Run, Bedford Township, Bedford County, as the First Lieutenant Eric Fisher Wood, Jr., Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-10-18 H Filed 04-11-18 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HR 385 Heffley, Doyle(R) (PN 2918) Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study of the feasibility of providing at least two additional passenger rail trips daily between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg and its impact on existing freight rail service. (Prior Printer Number: 1952) Bill History: 01-23-18 H Voted favorably from committee as amended House Transportation 01-23-18 H Reported as amended House Transportation 04-11-18 H Set on the House Calendar 04-11-18 Laid out for discussion 5:00pm 04-11-18 H Adopted (Vote: Y:184/N: 0)

SB 172 Argall, David(R) (PN 1238) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) adding a new section establishing a pilot program for an automated speed enforcement system in work zones on state highways. Authorizes the Department of Transportation to enforce section 3362 (relating to maximum speed limits) by recording violations using an automated speed enforcement system approved by the department. The new section shall only be applicable on Federal aid highways and the Pennsylvania Turnpike in areas agreed upon by the system administrator and the secretary of Transportation. Further provides for owner liability, penalties, liability, limitations, and for a system administrator. Also provides for a pilot program for automated enforcement on Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia. The new section shall expire five years from its effective date. Effective in 120 days. Portions are effective 60 days after publication of notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and the remainder is effective immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 148, 1067) Bill History: 02-06-18 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 02-22-18 H Discussed during budget hearing with Dept. of Transportation, House Appropriations -- House Appropriations 04-10-18 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 04-10-18 H Press conference held 04-16-18 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

SB 180 Greenleaf, Stewart(R) (PN 1532) Amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries), in ownership of property and legal title and equitable estate, further providing for right to dispose of a decedent's remains; in

health care, further providing for example; in anatomical gifts, further providing for definitions, providing for scope, further providing for persons who may execute anatomical gift, for persons who may become donees and purposes for which anatomical gifts may be made, for manner of executing anatomical gifts, for rights and duties at death, for requests for anatomical gifts, for use of driver's license or identification card to indicate organ or tissue donation, for The Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund contributions, for The Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund, for confidentiality requirement and for prohibited activities, providing for promotion of organ and tissue donation, establishing the Donate Life PA Registry, providing for facilitation of anatomical gift from decedent whose death is under investigation, for collaboration among departments and organ procurement organizations, for requirements for physician and nurse training relative to organ and tissue donation and recovery, for Department of Transportation, for Department of Corrections, for study of organ procurement organizations and for relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, repealing provisions relating to corneal transplants and providing for vascularized composite allografts. Portions are effective immediately, portions are effective in 60 days, and the remainder is effective upon publication of notice. (Prior Printer Number: 923, 1530) Bill History: 03-14-18 H Corrective Reprint, Printer's No. 1532 03-14-18 H Removed from the table 04-09-18 H Set on the House Calendar 04-09-18 H Removed from the table 04-16-18 H Set on the House Calendar

SB 552 Aument, Ryan(R) (PN 589) Amends Title 51 (Military Affairs), & 75 (Vehicles), in Department of Military Affairs, further providing for Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund; in State Veterans' Commission and Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs, further providing for Veterans' Trust Fund; in Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Commission, repealing provisions relating to the Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund and to expiration; and, in registration of vehicles, further providing for Pennsylvania monument registration plate. The bill changes the Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund to the Pennsylvania Veterans' Monuments and Memorial Trust Fund administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA); and requires that funds be used for the operation and maintenance of monuments designated by DMVA. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-09-18 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 04-09-18 H Removed from the table 04-10-18 H Set on the House Calendar 04-10-18 Second consideration 4:11pm 04-10-18 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

SB 630 Reschenthaler, Guy(R) (PN 1635) The Travel Insurance Modernization Act provides for the licensure of limited lines travel insurance producers, for requirements for sale of travel insurance, for authority of limited lines travel insurance producers, for registration and training of travel retailers and for renewal of license. The bill requires the licensure of limited lines travel insurance producers to sell, solicit

or negotiate coverage under a policy of travel insurance. Also requires the producer to establish and maintain a list of each travel retailer in the Commonwealth where travel insurance is offered on the limited lines travel insurance producer's behalf. Further requires the register to be maintained and updated annually by the limited lines travel insurance producer. Also provides the information in the register shall be maintained to a period of at least three years following the date the information was entered into the register. Effective in 120 days. (Prior Printer Number: 704) Bill History: 04-09-18 H First consideration 04-09-18 H Laid on the table 04-11-18 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 04-11-18 H Removed from the table 04-16-18 H Set on the House Calendar

SB 837 Ward, Kim(R) (PN 1528) Act designating a portion of State Route 981 in Smithton Borough and South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, as the Specialist 4 William J. Kolenc Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1099) Bill History: 04-10-18 H Set on the House Calendar 04-10-18 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 04-10-18 Laid out for discussion 4:37pm 04-10-18 Third consideration 4:37pm 04-10-18 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:190/N: 0)

SB 1097 White, Donald(R) (PN 1622) Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 286 over the Two Lick Creek, at the east end of the Borough of Clymer, Indiana County, as the Lance Corporal Joshua T. Twigg Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-06-18 S Filed 04-06-18 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

SB 1098 Browne, Patrick(R) (PN 1623) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in enforcement, authorizing automated enforcement of failure to stop for school bus with flashing red lights and establishing the School Bus Safety Grant Program Fund. Fines collected shall be deposited into the fund and shall be used by the department to implement the School Bus Safety Grant Program, which is established to promote and increase school bus safety education and training throughout this Commonwealth. Independent school bus contractors are eligible for the grant. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-06-18 S Filed 04-06-18 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

SB 1101 Stefano, Patrick(R) (PN 1624) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in certificate of title and security interests, further providing for content and effect of certificate of title and for theft vehicles. If the cost of repairs is more than 50 percent of the replacement value of the vehicle and more than 50 percent of the cost of repairs is due to damage that affects the safe operation of the vehicle, the owner or insurer shall apply for a certificate of title branded recovered-theft vehicle. If the insurer of a theft vehicle is a self-insurer, the assessment of damage under this section shall be completed by a licensed physical damage appraiser who is not affiliated with or employed

by the self-insurer. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-06-18 S Filed 04-06-18 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

SB 1118 Browne, Patrick(R) (PN 1627) Act appropriating $73,499,000 from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund and from Federal augmentation funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the fiscal year July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Effective July 1, 2018, or immediately, whichever is later. Bill History: 04-09-18 S Filed 04-09-18 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Appropriations

SB 1123 Browne, Patrick(R) (PN 1632) Act appropriating $3,619,000 from the Philadelphia Taxicab and Limousine Regulatory Fund and $2,000,000 from the Philadelphia Taxicab Medallion Fund to the Philadelphia Parking Authority for fiscal year July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Effective July 1, 2018, or immediately, whichever is later. Bill History: 04-09-18 S Filed 04-09-18 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Appropriations

SB 1128 McGarrigle, Thomas(R) (PN 1641) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points by assigning five points for failure to stop for a school vehicle (and 60 days' suspension); in rules of the road in general, further providing for meeting or overtaking school bus by requiring school vehicles to activate hazard warning lights at certain speeds and distances and prohibiting drivers from passing the school vehicle; and, in other required equipment, further providing for general requirements for other vehicles transporting school children. The department shall establish additional identification requirements for school vehicles that pick up and discharge school children on a highway or trafficway. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-10-18 S Filed 04-10-18 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

Committee Stories

House Appropriations Committee 4/11/18, 11:45 a.m., Room 140 Main Capitol By Matt Hess, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider bills.

HB 1699 Marshall, Jim - (PN 3125) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in size, weight and load, further providing for operation of certain combinations on interstate and certain other highways, repealing provisions relating to operation of motor homes on interstate and certain other highways and further providing for width of vehicles and for length of vehicles. The stated intent of the bill is to allow 102-inch wide trailers on all Pennsylvania highways, while still allowing the department and municipalities the ability to restrict these vehicles where necessary on specific roadways. Certain provisions are effective in 180 days and the remainder takes effect immediately. (Prior Printer Number: 2283) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 2084 Markosek, Joseph - (PN 3147) Act appropriating $2,935,000 from the Philadelphia Taxicab and Limousine Regulatory Fund and $200,000 from the Philadelphia Taxicab Medallion Fund to the Philadelphia Parking Authority for fiscal year July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Effective July 1, 2018, or immediately, whichever is later. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 2085 Markosek, Joseph - (PN 3148) Act appropriating $74,185,000 from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund and from Federal augmentation funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the fiscal year July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. $3,977,000 from the federal appropriation is allocated for natural gas pipeline safety and $2,090,000 from the federal appropriation is allocated for motor carrier safety. Effective July 1, 2018, or immediately, whichever is later. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

- 30 – House Appropriations Committee 4/10/18, 12:10 p.m., 140 Main Capitol By Kimberly Howells, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider bills.

HB 2018 Goodman, Neal - (PN 2899) Act designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 54 in West Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, as the Francis V. "Angie" McAndrew Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 2096 Murt, Thomas - (PN 3025) Act designating a portion of State Route 2026, in Upper Moreland Township, Montgomery County, as the Corporal Michael Dennis Cooke Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

SB 837 Ward, Kim - (PN 1528) Act designating a portion of State Route 981 in Smithton Borough and South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, as the Specialist 4 William J. Kolenc Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1099) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

- 30 – House State Government Committee 4/10/18, 10:00 a.m., Room G-50 Irvis Office Building By Jeff Cox, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee held an informational meeting on legislation eliminating future assignment of state-owned vehicles to members of the General Assembly.

HB 482 Roae, Brad - (PN 506) The State-Owned Vehicle Assignment Limitation Act provides that a state official may not be assigned a state-owned vehicle. Prohibits the use of Commonwealth funds to be used to lease a vehicle to or on behalf of a state official. The prohibition shall not apply to a state official whose official duties require assignment or lease of a vehicle for emergency response. Also provides for existing lease agreements. Effective in 60 days.

Rep. Roae, the bill's prime sponsor, provided a brief overview of the legislation.

Rep. Roae asked for a brief explanation of the agreement between the Department of General Services and the House of Representatives. Matthew Bembenick, Chief of Staff, Department of General Services (DGS), explained that the agreement was entered into in 2012 and it treats House members as what is considered by DGS as "agency heads" which allows a House member to lease a vehicle from DGS or be assigned a vehicle from the department. He further explained the agreement binds the member to the same criteria as any employee under the governor's jurisdiction would have in terms of responsibility for driving the vehicle correctly, periodic maintenance and what the rental rates are for various vehicles in terms of price points.

Rep. Roae said it is his understanding there are about 30 vehicles that House members have. Bembenick responded that it is 39 vehicles in the House of which eight are pool vehicles. He added 31 members have vehicles and the remaining are vehicles that are used for operational reasons such as the Chief Clerk's office. Rep. Roae then wanted to know what type of screening is done by DGS regarding a member's driving history. Kenneth Hess, Deputy Secretary for Procurement, explained that the operators have to certify that they have a verified operator's license. He pointed out there is usually a person designated by every agency including the House that monitors ongoing

PLS’s Transportation Recap – Copyright 2018 – Pennsylvania Legislative Services – www.mypls.com April 13, 2018 operations and if there are accidents or changes in an operator's status, it is their responsibility to report that to the Bureau of Vehicle Management. Rep. Roae asked if at the initial stage a motor vehicle record obtained by DGS or if the department takes the operator's word for it. Hess responded that at this point the department is taking their word for it. He explained that the department does not have access to drivers' records and noted only the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and State Police have access to that information.

Rep. Roae asked if vehicles revoked from legislators if DGS becomes aware a legislator has a speeding ticket or stop sign violations. Hess explained it would depend on the severity of the violation but DGS will engage with the agency. He pointed out the agency has supervisory and human resource responsibilities over their employees, but DGS will confer with the agency as to the appropriate level of corrective action or discipline. Rep. Roae wanted to know how driving records information would be obtained and whether it is up to the individual agencies. Hess suggested they would have to request the information through PennDOT or the State Police. Rep. Roae then asked how many vehicles the commonwealth currently has for all of the agencies. Hess responded that there are about 14,000 vehicles.

Rep. Roae wanted to know if DGS has done any type of analysis of whether it would be cheaper just to provide someone with a vehicle. Hess reported that a DGS pool vehicle cost the department 25 cents per mile to operate. He pointed out an Enterprise rent-a-car is 37 cents per mile and the personal IRS reimbursement rate is 53.5 cents per mile. Hess stated that DGS pool vehicles are the most cost effective means for travel. Rep. Roae asked if DGS works with the different agencies to help them with utilization. Hess explained that twice per year the department does a utilization review looking at the usage of vehicles. He said that generally speaking DGS wants to see a 1,000 miles per month of utilization or more. Rep. Roae wanted to know if it is typical to be able to get a vehicle up to $628 per month lease. Hess responded that the average lease payment across all of the agencies is around $353 per month. Bembenick added that the $353 would be a typical mid-size car. Rep. Roae commented that the cost for the leased vehicles for the House seem to be higher than that.

Rep Wheeland asked if any of the vehicles have GPS tracking or monitoring systems on them. Hess reported that the department is currently in the process of rolling out their telematics program. He said that as of the end March the department had telematics installed in about 1,500 vehicles. According to Hess, their target population is around 6,000 vehicles. He commented, "Generally speaking, we are intending to put telematics devices in all of the vehicles under DGS control including all of their lease fleet vehicles." Hess pointed out there are still many vehicles that are "special fund" vehicles that the agencies control and are not subject to DGS processes. Rep. Wheeland wanted to know if the telematics program monitors speed. Hess said that it does.

Rep. Rabb wanted to know how electric vehicles could reduce costs. Hess reported that DGS is trying to roll out more and more electric vehicles into the fleet. He also reported they have been looking at the economics and they are continuing to study the issue.

Rep. Ryan wanted to know if the department has done any analytics regarding mileage reimbursements and the use of leased vehicles. Hess responded that the department has done that. Rep. Ryan asked if an analysis has been done on the House and Senate and whether it would make more sense to lease than provide mileage. Hess said that he could not speak to individual agencies. He added that there are specific situations where that can occur. Rep. Ryan asked if a person has a state vehicle and they are in an automobile accident, does the state provide insurance for that. Bembenick explained that if a person is driving a state vehicle there is a program under the Bureau of Risk Insurance Management within DGS which provides basic coverage up to certain limits.

Rep. Hill commented that constituents express concern with the personal and political use of state-owned vehicles. She wanted to know how the issue is monitored and addressed. Hess responded that it is really not DGS's purview to police each individual agency and to assess what the purposes of vehicle operations are. He explained that there is a network of automotive officers the department relies on as conduits to pass information regarding safe operation of the vehicles, who they assigned to, accidents, and maintenance. Hess further explained that when it comes to personal versus political versus business use it is up to each individual agency to police.

Minority Chairman Bradford discussed liability and the use of a fleet vehicle. He wanted to know if there is exposure for having individuals, even if it is a personal vehicle, within their scope of employment having a personal vehicle. Chairman Bradford also asked if the commonwealth has been included in any litigation where a personal vehicle was involved within the scope of employment. Bembenick and Hess responded that they were unaware of any litigation but they would look into it.

Chairman Metcalfe asked if a legislator would have a monthly lease rate of $628 per month if fuel is included in that cost. Hess explained that the department provides a fuel card and the charges come back separately for fuel usage. Chairman Metcalfe then asked about the maintenance for the vehicles. Hess responded that it is part of the lease.

Rep. Knowles asked if an employee or a legislator is in a situation where their license was suspended do they have any obligation to report that to DGS or if the department conducts any follow-up to be certain they are a licensed driver. Hess explained that the management directive for vehicle operation indicates that operators of state vehicles must maintain their qualifications. Rep. Knowles wanted to know the consequences if an employee or a legislator does not report. Hess said that in those cases when DGS does find out appropriate action is taken by the agency. He once again explained that the department does not have access to motor vehicle license records.

Rep. Grove wanted to know if the elected members of the statewide judiciary also get state-leased vehicles. Hess described them as a "mixed bag." Rep. Grove asked if the justices and the appellate courts normally take leased vehicles or if they normally have their own vehicle. Hess responded that more of them have their own vehicle than have DGS leased vehicles.

Rep. Roae reported that out of the 30 vehicles that legislators have there are 21 SUVs, eight cars, and one minivan. He wanted to know if other state employees would have similar vehicles. Hess explained that it would depend on where the employee is operating in the state. He commented that a lot of agencies that operate north of I-80 opt for all wheel drive vehicles. Hess added other state agencies that deliver goods such as the Liquor Control Board. Rep. Roae said that it is his understanding that most of the vehicles that state legislators have are mostly in the southeast part of the Commonwealth. Hess pointed out it is up to the agency to specify the class of vehicle for the use.

Rep. Roae commented that recently there was an incident where a House member who had a suspended driver's license driving a state leased vehicle was involved in a hit and run accident. He wanted to know if Bembenick and Hess had any recommendation on what the House could do make sure the incident does not occur again. Hess responded by reporting that the number of incidents of reported accidents is "remarkably low." Bembenick added that in 2017 there were 12 accidents; in 2016 there were eight accidents; 15 accidents in 2015; and one accident in 2014. He described the vast majority as "small fender bender types of thing." Rep. Roae commented there are about 30 House-leased vehicles and there are about 12 accidents per year. Hess pointed out more than half were not the fault of the Commonwealth operator.

Rep. Knowles spoke of the need to have something in place to prevent someone with a suspended license from operating a state vehicle.

- 30 - House Appropriations Committee 4/9/17, 2:15 p.m., Room 140 Main Capitol By Matt Hess, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

HB 2067 Taylor, John - (PN 3000) Act designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 73 in Philadelphia County as the Police Officer Isabel Nazario Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

- 30 –

House Insurance Committee 4/9/18, 11:00 a.m., Room 6- East Wing By Andre Dienner, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

SB 630 Reschenthaler, Guy - (PN 704) The Travel Insurance Modernization Act provides for the licensure of limited lines travel insurance producers, for requirements for sale of travel insurance, for authority of limited lines travel insurance producers, for registration and training of travel retailers and for renewal of license. The bill requires the licensure of limited lines travel insurance producers to sell, solicit or negotiate coverage under a policy of travel insurance. Effective in 120 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as amended.

A06253 by Evankovich, requires a travel producer to maintain a rolling register for three years. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

- 30 -

Press Conferences

HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BACKS AUTOMATED SPEED ENFORCEMENT By Mike Howells, Pennsylvania Legislative Services | April 10, 2018

Representatives of the highway construction industry today marked National Work Zone Awareness Week, and highlighted efforts to help the public understand the importance of slowing down in work zones.

Robert Latham, executive vice president of Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, an industry trade group, urged passage of SB 172, authorizing automated speed enforcement in highway work zones.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill), mirrors Maryland law, Latham said, where it has slowed traffic through work zones considerably.

Stacy Chatley, president of Established Traffic Control in eastern Pennsylvania, described her passion for work zone safety and said her products are designed to warn drivers of work zones, but are not always heeded.

Chatley recounted her husband Jay being hit by a speeding motorist who lost control of his vehicle, leaving him with traumatic brain injury and other lasting disabilities.

“Jay and I agree that we both died that day,” she said. “People need to see and understand the consequences of speeding through work zones and distracted driving.”

Chatley emphasized automated speed enforcement slows drivers down and decreases accidents. She too pointed to Maryland’s effort as a model of success.

“A highway worker’s life is far more important than someone’s license plate not being photographed,” she said.

Chatley urged lawmakers to “reconcile whatever issues need to be reconciled” to pass SB 172.

The bill was reported out of the House Transportation Committee last October and awaits a floor vote.

Upcoming Events

PA Turnpike Commission April 17, 2018 - 10:00 a.m., Turnpike Admin. Bldg, Large Board Room, 700 S. Eisenhower Blvd., 3rd Fl., Middletown Commission Meeting. For additional information: (717) 831-7333

Delaware River Port Authority/PATCO April 18, 2018 - 9:00 a.m., 2 Riverside Drive, Camden NJ Board Meeting. For additional information: (856) 968-2253

PA Public Utility Commission April 18, 2018 - 1:00 p.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North Street, Harrisburg Smart hearing on UGI Electric rate increase request. For additional information: (717) 783-6152

PA Public Utility Commission April 18, 2018 - 6:00 p.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North Street, Harrisburg Smart hearing on UGI Electric rate increase request. For additional information: (717) 783-6152

Pittsburgh Port Authority April 19, 2018 - 9:00 a.m., Neal N. Holmes Board Room, 5th Floor, 345 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh

Performance Oversight Committee Meeting. For additional information: (412) 566-5137

PA Public Utility Commission April 19, 2018 - 10:00 a.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Public Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) Board April 19, 2018 - 12:00 p.m., SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street, Mezzanine Level, Philadelphia Administration Committee meeting immediately followed by an Operations Committee meeting. For additional information: (215) 580-7800

House Transportation April 20, 2018 - 10:00 a.m., Philadelphia City Hall, Room 676, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia Joint public hearing with the House Judiciary Committee to evaluate the effects of DUI and drugged driving laws and programs

State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons April 24, 2018 - 9:00 a.m., 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg Board Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1697

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) Board April 26, 2018 - 3:00 p.m., SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street, Mezzanine Level, Philadelphia Board Meeting. For additional information: (215) 580-7800

Pittsburgh Port Authority April 27, 2018 - 9:30 a.m., Neal N. Holmes Board Room, 5th Floor, 345 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh Board Meeting. For additional information: (412) 566-5137

Session Schedule Senate April 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 May 21, 22, 23 June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

House April 16, 17, 18, 30 May 1, 2, 22, 23 June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

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04-10-2018 Ryan Township considering what roads to repair BARNESVILLE — There is no doubt that Ryan Township roads are in need of repair like those in many municipalities, but it is finding the money to fix them that is the issue. Several residents brought up some of the road problems at Monday’s meeting of the Ryan Township supervisors, with Vice Chairman Clyde... - Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald

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04-10-2018 Clinton County seeking funds for broadband access LOCK HAVEN — Seeking better broadband coverage, counties in northcentral Pennsylvania are looking to federal and state funding sources. Clinton County will join a rural broadband coverage and feasibility study, spearheaded by SEDA-Council of Governments and funded in part by the... - Lock Haven Express

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04-10-2018 PennDOT outlines policy action plan for increased safety oversight of highly automated vehicles The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation unveiled a multi-step action plan Monday to establish stepped-up safety oversight of Highly Automated Vehicles in Pennsylvania. PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards outlined the voluntary testing policy at the first day of a two-day Automated Vehicle Summit in Pittsburgh. This... - Towanda Daily Review

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04-10-2018 Gov. Wolf to tour western Pa. hillside, roadway collapse Gov. Tom Wolf will be touring the scene of Route 30 in East Pittsburgh following the landslide Saturday that resulted in a portion the roadway collapsing and the evacuation about about 30 residents. TribLive.com reports Wolf will be joined by PennDOT Secretary Leslie... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-10-2018 Let's pass this bill to keep our work zones safe | Opinion Speeding is a leading cause of vehicle accidents and that is especially true for crashes that occur in highway work zones. When shoulders are closed, lanes are narrowed and barriers are put in place, drivers have less space and time to react. State Rep. Greg Rothman, R- Cumberland (PennLive file)... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-10-2018 Brake for tractors - it's Rural Road Safety week in Pa. | PennLive letters The Cumberland County Farm Bureau is celebrating Rural Roads Safety Week, April 8 to April 15, by encouraging county motorists to travel safely on roadways during planting season this spring and throughout the year. You may have noticed that farmers are returning to the fields to begin... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-10-2018 Gov. Wolf to visit site of Route 30 collapse in East Pittsburgh today Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday will tour the site of the collapsed section of Route 30 in East Pittsburgh. The governor is scheduled to visit the area beginning at 11 a.m. About 200 to 300 feet of Route 30 in East Pittsburgh collapsed Saturday morning, falling down a hillside and resulting in the destruction of... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-10-2018 Midstate police chiefs defend request to use radar (Harrisburg) -- Midstate police chiefs are defending a push to allow local law enforcement to use radar to enforce speed limits in Pennsylvania. Only state police troopers are currently allowed to use radar to catch speeding drivers. After decades of debate over whether radar should be used at the local... - WITF

04-10-2018 Gov. Tom Wolf to visit site of Route 30 landslide in East Pittsburgh Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to tour the wreckage of Route 30 in East Pittsburgh on Tuesday morning. Three of four lanes of the heavily-traveled highway collapsed Saturday morning after a landslide, forcing several people to flee their homes. Wolf will be joined by PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards , state Emergency... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-10-2018 Aspinwall council looking at safety of Eastern Avenue intersection Aspinwall council is exploring the idea of prohibiting left turns out of Eastern Avenue onto Freeport Road. Councilman Trip Oliver suggested the move, saying that taking a “left onto Freeport is becoming dangerous.” Members said the intersection is often jammed because of vehicles pulling... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-10-2018 Pa. lands a new safety and training hub for transportation technology Pennsylvania will soon have a home base for first responders, transportation organizations and researchers to work together at the intersection of safety and technology. The Pennsylvania Safety, Transportation and Research Track, or PennSTART, will be a state-of-the-art training facility to make knowledge of... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-10-2018 43,000 Pa. drivers must find new insurance before midnight Thursday Nearly 43,000 Pennsylvania drivers need to find new auto insurance before midnight Thursday. Access Insurance, a Texas-based company, was ruled insolvent last month and is not able to pay out on policies. Claims filed by Access policy holders before 11:59 p.m. April 12 will be paid through the Pennsylvania Property... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-10-2018 Gov. Wolf calls Route 30 landslide 'devastating'; PennDOT to drill for samples The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation expects to drill for soil samples Tuesday afternoon so it can begin designing plans to stabilize a hillside and rebuild a portion of Route 30 that collapsed in East Pittsburgh Saturday morning. The drilling, which also will include determining how deep solid bedrock is... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-10-2018 Turnpike commission must pay $1.45M more than it offered to take land next to casino, Pa. court says The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission must pay $2.3 million - not the $850,000 it offered - to seize a couple's property beside one of the state's busiest casinos, a Commonwealth Court panel ruled Tuesday. That decision, outlined in an opinion by Judge Anne E. Covey, supports a... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-10-2018 Pa. Turnpike Commission discriminates against Indians, fired exec claims in federal lawsuit An executive who was fired from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is claiming he and other Indians have been targets of racial discrimination by the agency. In a newly-filed federal lawsuit, Biju George claims one supervisor even repeatedly asked him. "You don't like white people, do you?"... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-10-2018 PennDOT, Turnpike and Penn State to collaborate on training facility The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike have announced they are forming a partnership with Penn State University to begin planning and design work for a new training and research facility. According to the organizations, the facility, named PennSTART, will focus... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-10-2018 Truckers' demand for $6B in toll refunds would cause fiscal catastrophe, Pa. Turnpike Commission says Financial devastation could result if a federal judge blocks the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission from transferring $112.5 million to PennDOT by April 30, commission officials are contending. They made that assertion in asking U.S. Middle District Judge Yvette Kane... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-10-2018 NJ Transit seeking to ease overcrowding with rail car trade Some New Jersey Transit rail commuters will soon find themselves riding on another state's rail cars as the embattled agency seeks to alleviate overcrowding on its 12 lines... - AP

04-10-2018 Pennsylvania, Penn State plan transportation research center [video] The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission say they'll work with Penn State University to build a state-of-the-art highway and transportation technology center... - AP

04-10-2018 Two Lehigh and Delaware canal charities receive $180,00 grant Two charitable organizations that work to preserve the history and health of the Lehigh and Delaware canals received $180,000 recently from a local philanthropic foundation. The William Penn Foundation issued the money to the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and Delaware Canal 21, according to a news... - Allentown Morning Call

04-10-2018 Pittsburgh to settle with family of couple killed in 2015 bus accident Pittsburgh is poised to pay $125,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of a couple killed in 2015 when a Port Authority of Allegheny County bus ran them over in the Hill District. Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday introduced a bill that would authorize... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-10-2018 Officials seek emergency funding for Route 30 landslide in East Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is close to granting a disaster declaration for Allegheny County, which would unlock state funds to repair public property destroyed by landslides since February, including one that collapsed a section of Route 30 Saturday in East Pittsburgh. It would be the first time the state has issued a disaster declaration to... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-09-2018 SEPTA to Discuss Economic Impact in Chester County at April 10 County... (Press Release)

04-09-2018 PennDOT Outlines Policy Action Plan for Increased Safety Oversight of Highly... (Press Release)

04-09-2018 Secretary of State Encourages Pennsylvanians to Use Online Voter Registration... (Press Release)

04-09-2018 Plans to be unveiled Thursday for Tredway Trail extension in Allegheny Township Officials this week will unveil the design route for a $327,000 extension of the Wynn and Clara Tredway Trail in Allegheny Township. The trail head for the two-mile bike and walking path is located at the border of Allegheny Township and the Braeburn section of Lower Burrell. The... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-09-2018 County, state start coordinating to fix collapsed Route 30 in East Pittsburgh Allegheny County Emergency Services will lead the effort to repair a section of Route 30 that crumbled down an East Pittsburgh hill because of a landslide Saturday morning. The department will coordinate with local and state agencies, Allegheny County Chief of Emergency Services Matt Brown said Sunday at the scene. At... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-09-2018 Transportation mural marks sign of the times Light mood music plays in the background of Greenwood High School's art room as students dip brushes into pre-filled cups and apply paint to the project. There's some conversation, but for the most part students are focused on the detailed painting. Up close, it appears they are painting a disjointed, splotchy anarchy of... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-09-2018 $3.05M roadway upgrade to start in June SELINSGROVE — Market Street in Selinsgrove and a section of Routes 11-15 and Route 522 will be getting a $3.05 million upgrade over six months, beginning in June. A total of 4.3 miles of state roadway will be resurfaced by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crews with most of the work taking place... - Sunbury Daily Item

04-09-2018 Geisinger rolling out transportation for those without a ride MAHONING TWP. — Geisinger, with the help of scores of organizations in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, is about to see who needs a ride to make it to medical appointments, the pharmacy, or even the grocery store. The health care system has gathered the forces together to start up two... - Sunbury Daily Item

04-09-2018 Street construction gets off to a cold start in Chambersburg CHAMBERSBURG - Foul weather this week delayed the start of street construction season. Asphalt plants reopened for the paving season, but contractors contended with rain, snow and high winds. Work started Wednesday on reconstructing McKinley and North Sixth streets.... - Chambersburg Public Opinion

04-09-2018 Pennsylvania lawmakers consider fines, points for drivers using cellphones If HB1684 is passed, drivers using a cellphone could face fines of $50 to $100. In 2016, 61 people were killed in traffic accidents related to distracted driving, according to PennDOT. As Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is designated as April across... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

04-09-2018 Editorial: Time for Pennsylvania to get tougher on distracted drivers It’s happened to all of us. You’re sitting at a light, patiently waiting for it to turn green. You tap your fingers on the steering wheel, carefully eyeing traffic, all the while knowing you are running late for a very important meeting. Finally, the light turns to green.... - West Chester Daily Local News

04-09-2018 Springfield man speaks out against distracted driving Safe driving advocate Joel Feldman was on his way to the airport Sunday morning when he saw a distracted driver rear-end the car in front of him. That minor accident was the reason why Feldman was heading out to a Midwestern city: To discuss the problem of distracting driving.... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

04-09-2018 Historic Rapps Dam Road covered bridge reopens after truck crash

East Pikeland >> The historic Rapps Dam Road covered bridge over French Creek has reopened, PennDOT announced. The bridge was closed for about a week for repairs after it was struck by a truck on March 29. PennDOT crews will return in the coming weeks to perform additional work to... - Pottstown Mercury

04-09-2018 Wolf Administration previews 2018 Hollidaysburg region construction season Gov. Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Leslie S. Richards highlighted transportation investments as PennDOT officials previewed more than 88 projects that will take place across the six-county, Hollidaysburg-based District 9 during the 2018... - Somerset Daily

04-09-2018 PennDOT, State Police Invite Local Families to “Arrive Safe” Program Centre County families with young drivers can take part in a free teen driver safety event being held by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania State Police. The "Arrive Safe" program will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Bellefonte Area High School and is open to all Centre County families.... - State College News

04-09-2018 Route 64 bridge replacement on PennDOT list LOCK HAVEN –Local residents could see construction of a new Route 64 bridge over Big Fishing Creek begin this year. The $3.3 million project was highlighted Wednesday by Governor Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Leslie S.... - Lock Haven Express

04-09-2018 PennDOT chief outlines temporary rules for testing of self-driving cars Pennsylvania will ask companies to immediately stop testing self-driving cars that share technology with Uber or other companies under federal investigation. PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards said that and other guidelines outlined Monday are voluntary but the state expects companies to comply with them.... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-09-2018 Port Authority begins new round of eastern neighborhood meetings on service changes The first in the Port Authority’s series of meetings to revisit proposed transit service changes to eastern Pittsburgh neighborhoods and the Monongahela Valley will begin Thursday in Rankin. New authority CEO Katharine Eagan Kelleman, who started in January, has... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-09-2018 'Reprehensible' dad denied break on prison term for crash that crushed unbuckled daughter's skull A father who was speeding when he caused a crash that flipped his car onto the head of his unbuckled 7-year-old daughter wasn't hit with an "unduly harsh and excessive" jail term, a state Superior Court panel has ruled. Ronald Pooler Jr. insisted Chester County Judge David F. Bortner didn't... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-09-2018 PennDOT issues voluntary guidelines for self-driving cars on public roads Three weeks after a self-driving Uber struck and killed a pedestrian pushing a bicycle across the street in Tempe, Arizona, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has released voluntary interim guidelines to step up oversight of automated vehicles in the state.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-09-2018 Residents start to put lives back together after Route 30 landslide In a carpeted hotel ballroom with long, faded-gold curtains, a dozen people whose homes were destroyed in the Route 30 landslide started the process of putting their lives back together Monday. Jacqueline Evans, right-of-way administrator for the Pennsylvania... - Pittsburgh Post- Gazette

04-09-2018 The story behind a SEPTA cop and K-9's separation

The reassignment of a veteran SEPTA K-9 officer early this month — and the order to surrender his canine partner — seems like vindictiveness by the transit agency. Abal the SEPTA K-9 has a new handler that he started training with on Monday. He will not be returned to his former handler, SEPTA Police Officer... - Philadelphia Daily News

04-09-2018 Port Authority of Allegheny County gets $3.6M grant for new buses The Port Authority of Allegheny County has received a $3.6 million federal grant for new buses. The grant will fund about seven 40-foot buses, said Adam Brandolph, a Port Authority spokesman. The money is from the Federal Transit Administration, the agency that... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-09-2018 Pittsburgh bike share program expanding with new stations Pittsburgh's Healthy Ride bike share program is looking to more than double its size this year by adding 125 new stations throughout the city. “Healthy Ride is expanding in order to create more convenient connections for people throughout the city,” said Erin Potts, director... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-09-2018 PennDOT considering 40-foot wall to prevent future Route 30 landslides PennDOT might build a 40-foot-tall wall below a portion of Route 30 that was wiped out by a landslide over the weekend to prevent future slides there. An investigation continues into what caused a landslide Saturday in East Pittsburgh, but PennDOT District 11 Executive Cheryl Moon-Sirianni said... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-08-2018 More residents evacuated as hill under Route 30 in East Pittsburgh continues to slide A troubled section of Route 30 in East Pittsburgh, which was closed Friday due to buckling, collapsed Saturday morning onto an apartment complex below it on Electric Avenue but fortunately residents had been evacuated before the hillside let go. About two lanes of the four- lane highway, a section 200 to 300 feet long,... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-08-2018 Land slides force road closures in North Hills, Moon Land slides that have resulted from saturated ground conditions have forced the closure of two roads, PennDOT announced Sunday. Reis Run Road in the North Hills, between Rochester Road in Ross and Arndt Road in Franklin Park, is closed. Motorists are advised to use Lowries Run... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-08-2018 Collapsing hillside prompts road closure, evacuations Authorities say a collapsing hillside in western Pennsylvania has caused portions of a road to collapse along with one building in an apartment complex, which has been evacuated... - AP

04-08-2018 SEPTA trolley and car collide in Philly's Northern Liberties A SEPTA trolley collided with a car Saturday night near Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties section, a spokeswoman for the transportation agency said. One person was injured, but the injury was not life-threatening, the SEPTA spokeswoman said. The incident, reported around 8 p.m., involved a Route 15 trolley at Eighth... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-08-2018 Gulftainer's $584M Wilmington port expansion: 'This is going to be a hard thing for people north of us to swallow.' The state-run Port of Wilmington on Friday voted formally to lease its facilities for 50 years to Gulftainer Group, choosing an international company based in the United Arab Emirates over a consortium of local companies backed by the two largest American port operators.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-08-2018 How Sunoco's drilling methods may be causing Mariner East 2's problems David Mano and his neighbors on Valleyview Drive said there wasn’t much of a mystery in July when the water from their kitchen taps suddenly turned smelly and cloudy. They immediately

suspected the underground drilling that Sunoco Pipeline LP was conducting beneath their Chester County... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-08-2018 Route 30 collapses in East Pittsburgh landslide, will be closed for months A portion of Route 30 in East Pittsburgh plummeted about 40 feet down a steep hill early Saturday in a landslide that also took out an apartment building and threatened several others, officials said. The slide occurred about 6 a.m., when a wall above Route 30 broke, said... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-08-2018 Cheers and Jeers CHEERS to the Luzerne County Transportation Authority for starting the transition from gasoline-fueled buses to vehicles that run on compressed natural gas. Natural gas is not only a cleaner-burning fuel, it is a natural resource that is produced close to home.... - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

04-08-2018 Our View: LCTA deserves credit for improvements Bus riders wait to board a Luzerne County Transportation Authority bus at the intermodal terminal in Wilkes-Barre. This year is shaping up to be a good one for the Luzerne County Transportation Authority, for at least three reasons. First, the Kingston-based agency will once again have night service,... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

04-08-2018 LCTA project delayed, but could begin by early summer Assuming there are no Native American artifacts in the soil of the former Murray complex on Pennsylvania Avenue, there could be a groundbreaking ceremony for the Luzerne County Transportation Authority’s new headquarters by early summer. If something historical is found beneath the surface of the Murray... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

04-08-2018 Easton's Wood Avenue, a boulevard? | Turkeys and Trophies This could be a good thing for drivers who use the 13th Street/Route 22/ Wood Avenue bottleneck in Easton. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has backed off a plan to replace the busy junction with a "diverging diamond interchange," which called for rebuilding the Route 22... - Easton Express-Times

04-08-2018 Talking, not just texting, distracts Pa. drivers | Editorial Drivers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey don't need statistical evidence to understand the dangers of distracted driving -- they witness it on the roads every day, often in connection with cell phone use. Pennsylvania prohibits texting while driving and wearing earphones at the... - Easton Express-Times

04-08-2018 Erie still short of 200-inch snowfall mark A trace of snow was recorded Saturday morning at Erie International Airport. A trace of snow was reported early Saturday morning at Erie International Airport, so Erie remains more than six inches away from reaching 200 inches of snow for the season. Erie’s snowfall since July 1 is 193.7 inches, according to the National... - Erie Times-News

04-08-2018 PennDOT to hold regional teen driver safety competition The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and its safety partners will hold a Teen Driver Competition on Monday from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grace Church, 7300 Grubb Road, in McKean Township. The regional driver competition is for Erie County high school students.... - Erie Times-News

04-08-2018 Motorcyclists are suicidal pawns of marketing ploys: Letters to the editor I have become so tired of this absurd dialogue between motorcyclists and motorists. I have chosen this time of year to write solely because the grim reaper continues to comb the highways for the irresponsible motorcyclists and motorists and we, the survivors, can now talk for the

victims.... - Erie Times-News

04-08-2018 The surge in distracted driving citations in Lancaster County last year should encourage us all to focus on the road [opinion] | Editorials In Lancaster County, police issued 244 citations for distracted driving in 2017, up from 116 the previous year. That represents an increase of more than 110 percent, according to figures released earlier this week. As LNP staff writer Tom Knapp noted, “That’s considerably higher than the... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

04-08-2018 Lawmakers need to level the playing field for Pa's electric-driving future | Opinion My company, ChargeForward, is a Pennsylvania small business working to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption through charging stations, consulting work and our event series. We're based in Elizabethtown, Lancaster County. And we completed our first project: placing a solar- powered charging... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-08-2018 Northampton County executive calls first-of-its-kind bridge project 'a mess' Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure called on County Council to take an in-depth review of the county’s public-private partnership bridge project, calling the $37.1 million effort “a mess.” During his report at Thursday’s council meeting, McClure said efforts... - Allentown Morning Call

04-08-2018 Road Warrior: Be heard on Lehigh Valley transportation projects It’s time to put up or shut up. On Wednesday, the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study released its update to the Transportation Improvement Program, a list of highway, bridge and public transit projects that will be addressed over the next four years. It’s an enormous amount of work, more than 500 million dollars for... - Allentown Morning Call

04-08-2018 NASA’s $248 million project to take supersonic jets from ‘boom’ to ‘thump’ Despite the fact that supersonic air travel has been around for decades, the time it takes to fly from New York to Los Angeles has changed little since the early days of commercial flight. U.S. regulators don’t allow supersonic flight over land because of the... - Washington Post

04-06-2018 PHIA: PennDOT lets $312 million in projects during March (Press Release)

04-06-2018 Gov. Wolf Proclamation: Earth Day, 2018 (Press Release)

04-06-2018 SEPTA Key Card Changes Starting May 4 (Press Release)

04-06-2018 Wolf Administration Previews 2018 Southeast Region Construction Season... (Press Release)

04-06-2018 Turnpike and PennDOT workers tend to stubborn goats If you’re working on 109-foot-tall bridges, you’d better not be afraid of heights. If you’re a goat wandering around on that bridge? Same. A team effort Tuesday involving the state police and workers from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike resulted in the rescue and safe return of two... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-06-2018 Pittsburgh will be part of Smart Cities Collaborative on transportation issues Pittsburgh was selected Thursday to be is among 22 cities that will work together on transportation issues through a group known as the Smart Cities Collaborative. The collaborative, which is in its second year, is an outgrowth of Transportation for America and the

U.S. Department of Transportation’s... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-06-2018 Residents block seismic testing on one street in Monroeville A group of Monroeville residents blocked trucks from conducting seismic testing on a residential street Wednesday. “I look out my window and see these trucks, and this was after I read they were supposed to stop work, they were coming down my street,” said Anne Klavora, whose house is on Madden Drive. “I pulled my car out of... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-06-2018 Bike lane change to improve safety in Philly, but many want more … or less Philadelphia’s proposal to improve bike safety on Spruce and Pine Streets in Center City got a public hearing this week, and took flak from people who argued it did too much or not enough. If City Council approves, this fall the city will swap bike and parking... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-06-2018 Ex-towing operator transferred to halfway house from federal prison Former Wilkes-Barre towing contractor Leo A. Glodzik III moved closer to freedom this week when he was transferred to a halfway house from a federal prison. Glodzik, 47, is serving a 30- month sentence for his April 2016 guilty plea to orchestrating a scheme to overcharge owners of vehicles towed by LAG... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

04-06-2018 Court asked to halt turnpike payments to PennDOT Groups representing truckers and other motorists asked a federal judge Monday to halt the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s payments to PennDOT for transportation projects around the state while the court decides their claims that turnpike tolls are unconstitutionally excessive.... - Scranton Times

04-06-2018 Northampton County executive calls first-of-its-kind bridge project 'a mess' Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure called on County Council to take an in-depth review of the county’s public-private partnership bridge project, calling the $37.1 million effort “a mess.” During his report at Thursday’s council meeting, McClure said efforts... - Allentown Morning Call

04-06-2018 More citations filed against recycling firm The state police in Butler have filed an additional round of traffic citations yesterday against a local metal recycler, alleging the company did not send to the state the certificate of title for vehicles that were torn apart for recycling. But the owner of Ben Weitsman of New Castle, whose parent company is in New... - New Castle News

04-06-2018 Sunoco reps agree to meet with county officials on pipeline integrity plan WEST CHESTER >> After receiving a request from county officials, representatives from Sunoco Pipeline LP indicate they will meet soon with the Chester County Department of Emergency Services to present a full pipeline integrity management plan. The county made the request for more information last week, with an April 5... - West Chester Daily Local News

04-06-2018 Editorial: Time for state to get even tougher on distracted drivers It’s happened to all of us. You’re sitting at a light, patiently waiting for it to turn green. You tap your fingers on the steering wheel, carefully eyeing traffic, all the while knowing you are running late for a very important meeting. Finally, the light turns to green.... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

04-06-2018 With Tesla in a Danger Zone, Can Model 3 Carry It to Safety? As I zipped up the West Side Highway this week in a gleaming red Tesla Model 3, I found myself wondering: Are American drivers ready for Autopilot ? Autopilot is Tesla’s enhanced driver- assistance technology, which the company maintains is the most advanced system available. Tesla says all its... - New York Times

04-06-2018 County seeks grant for Rail Trail bridge LOCK HAVEN — Clinton County will seek grant funding for the Susquehanna Bridge project, cementing an affordable way forward for the county’s Rail Trail project. Commissioners approved a resolution Thursday for the county to submit a grant application to the state Department of Conservation and Natural... - Lock Haven Express

04-06-2018 Hole in wall on Mansion House Hill brings PennDOT back to work on Route 209 The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is once again planning work on the Mansion House Hill in Mahoning Township. This time the southbound lane of Route 209 leading into Jim Thorpe has been closed because of a deteriorating wall. The southbound lane was closed by PennDOT Wednesday afternoon after the... - Lehighton Times News

04-06-2018 Quietly, Trump Officials and California Seek a Deal on Car Emissions Officials from the Trump administration and the State of California, who have been negotiating behind the scenes on car emissions standards, are expected to reopen talks that could preserve rules targeted by the Environmental Protection Agency for elimination, according to people... - New York Times

04-06-2018 Maryland legislature gives final OK to bill that would increase MTA funding The Maryland General Assembly on Thursday approved legislation requiring Gov. Larry Hogan to allocate an extra $178 million over three years to the state agency that operates the subway in Baltimore, which was recently closed for a month for emergency repairs.... - Baltimore Sun

04-06-2018 PennDOT closing Route 30 in East Pittsburgh today because of buckling PennDOT closing Route 30 in East Pittsburgh today because of buckling The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will close Route 30 in East Pittsburgh at 1 p.m. Friday due to continuing deterioration under the highway. The highway has had a series of problems that began in early March that has... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-06-2018 Street sweeping starts Monday in Murrysville Murrysville officials sent out an April 6 reminder to residents that the municipal street sweeping program will begin on Monday, April 9. It will start south of Route 22 and work its way toward northern Murrysville. For more, contact Murrysville police at 724-733-1363.... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-06-2018 Sinking roadway closes all lanes of Route 30 in East Pittsburgh Two days after closing the westbound lanes of Route 30 in East Pittsburgh for a sinking roadway, PennDOT announced it will shut down the eastbound lanes by 1 p.m. Friday. One eastbound lane had been getting through while the westbound lanes were closed near the Westinghouse Bridge . PennDOT crews were evaluating the... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-06-2018 Ligonier woman's lawsuit blames Trump House for pre-election wreck A Ligonier woman claims a car crash less than two weeks before the 2016 presidential election was caused by the likeness of Donald Trump. In a lawsuit filed Friday, Kellie Roadman blamed the Trump House , a Unity Township shrine erected to the then-presidential candidate that featured a... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-06-2018 McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge open again after passing inspection The McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge was reopened Friday after PennDOT inspectors found that a barge that struck one of the bridge’s piers caused only superficial damage. Earlier Friday afternoon, emergency officials closed the bridge when it was struck by a tugboat and a barge, which both wrapped around one of the... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette