CDC restates recommendation for mask mandate on public transportation
N95 masks: What you need to know (NCD)The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday restated their recommendation that Americans should wear masks while traveling on planes, trains and other forms of public transportation. >> Read more trending newsThe recommendation from the CDC comes despite a judge’s ruling last month that ended the federal mask mandate on public transportation. The CDC recommends that anyone over age 2, “including passengers and workers — properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over the nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, etc.) ).”The agency went on to say, “We also encourage operators of public transportation and transportation hubs to support mask wearing by all people, including employees.”The mask requirement on public transportation was extended several times since it went into effect until a federal judge struck down the mandate on April 18. The Justice Department appealed the ruling at the request of the CDC, The Associated Press reported.
wftv.comComplete Streets plan prioritizes road safety, infrastructure funding for Central Florida
Over the past several years, MetroPlan Orlando, a regional transportation partnership, has been developing a regional Complete Streets policy to guide and plan the design of Central Florida’s transportation network.
Brevard schools join pilot program to deter illegal bus passing with AI cameras
Safety technology company BusPatrol will partner with Brevard Public Schools for a pilot program meant to improve the effectiveness of cameras designed to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses, the district announced.
Volusia County leaders propose changes to electric bikes, scooter use on beach
FILE - In this Friday, Sept. 13, 2019 file photo, electric rental scooters lie on a sidewalk in Berlin, Germany. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, file)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Volusia County Council introduced a proposal Tuesday to allow electric and other motorized vehicles on certain parts of the beach. Council leaders suggested allowing use of electric bikes, one-wheel scooters and the like to operate in designated spots by the beach. AdCounty leaders pointed to recent state legislation that gives e-bike and electric scooter operators the same rights as bicyclists. As proposed, e-bikes and other electric motorized devices would be permitted as long as they follow all other vehicle regulations such as speed and times of day for use on the beach.
Walgreens partnering with Uber to offer free rides to vaccine appointments
“We know that transportation is an issue, but even more so with COVID-19,” said Rina Shah, group vice president of pharmacy operations at Walgreens. “Through these community partnerships, we’re able to get the word out that not only is it important to get the vaccine (but) when you do schedule appointments, here’s your code for a free ride.”
chicagotribune.com‘Boomtown’ growth in Central Florida means lane expansion, sound barriers for SR-429
“The growth in Central Florida, especially in this area, has been very significant. Any regular driver of SR-429 knows exactly what I’m talking about,” said Will Hawthorne, director of engineering for the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX). Hawthorne was one of several officials who spoke recently at a virtual public forum aimed at educating the public on a planned expansion. Growth like that has not only outperformed our projections, but most of those used throughout the State of Florida,” said Hawthorne. “We have always planned to turn it into ten lanes,” Hawthorne said during the virtual meeting.
Disney announces plans to end Magical Express airport transportation service
ORLANDO, Fla. – When resort hotel bookings open for stays in 2022, Disney will no longer offer its Magical Express service for airport transportation, Walt Disney World officials announced on Monday. Officials said the resort will continue to operate the service for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout this year. The Extra Magic Hours benefit, which was suspended when Walt Disney World Resort reopened last summer, will not return. Recently, Walt Disney World released its calendar of operating hours for its theme parks through the month of March. Stay in the loop with the latest theme park scoops with our newsletter bringing you the best of Central Florida’s attractions.
Daywatch: CPS denies COVID-19 accommodations, weed sales top $1B and ex-Cubs player lists home near Wrigley Field
Limited transportation has long been a hurdle to employment, hindering growth at some companies and preventing people who need work from accessing available jobs. As the rise of e-commerce spurs job growth in industrial areas that are often not close to public transportation, employers hope addressing transit needs attracts a wider pool of candidates and helps workers arrive on time.
chicagotribune.comBrightline Trains targeting 2022 for station at Orlando International Airport
ORLANDO, Fla. – The president of Brightline Trains met with transportation leaders in Orlando on Wednesday to discuss the company’s expansion project through Central Florida. Patrick Goddard was the guest speaker at the Alliance for Regional Transportation Education Series, which was held at the site of Brightline’s future station at Orlando International Airport. “This is a very diverse market and it is a perfect market for intercity passenger rail,” Goddard said. Goddard said station is an important stop in what will eventually connect Orlando to the west coast of Florida. A time frame for the Tampa extension hasn’t been announced, but the extension to Orlando International Airport is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2022.
SunRail suspends services due to Eta
ORLANDO, Fla. – SunRail is suspending all services due to Tropical Storm Eta, which is expected to make landfall in Florida early Thursday. For service updates please follow us on Facebook/Twitter @RideSunRail, or the SunRail app. pic.twitter.com/Kbg3Tov0h5 — SunRail (@RideSunRail) November 11, 2020Computer models show Eta making landfall Thursday north of Tampa and tracking across the state, near Jacksonville. Eta is expected to bring tropical downpours, gusty winds and the threat of tornadoes to Central Florida Wednesday night into Thursday. [TIMELINE: Here’s when you can expect to feel Eta’s impacts]School and COVID-19 testing site closures have also been announced in some Central Florida counties.
Residents sound off on new proposed I-4 construction project
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation is working with Osceola County officials to streamline a stretch of Interstate 4 near the Osceola and Polk County border. Renderings from FDOT show crews would reshape the interchange at I-4 and State Road 532, creating a diverging diamond interchange. Crews would also repave the stretch of interstate from the Polk County line to State Road 417. On Wednesday night, some residents who live near the proposed construction site sounded off on their feelings. FDOT said the proposal is still in the design stages, but the hope is to begin construction in Spring of 2021, with the project lasting one to two years.
Representatives meet to discuss the future of Orlando’s transportation
But one group in Orlando is working to make transportation easier throughout Central Florida. Officials released the Orlando Transportation 2030 Report, Wednesday which helps to outline a blueprint for the region’s transportation future. Group members included representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 5, MetroPlan Orlando, the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX), and the Central Florida Expressway Authority. Empower a regional transportation authority to oversee the expansion, management, and operations of regional public transit systems. “We must reimagine and reinvent transportation in Central Florida for the 21 Century,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said.
LYNX to resume charging fares in September
ORLANDO, Fla. Passengers who use LYNX buses will have to begin paying for transportation again in September, according to a news release. The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority Board chairman and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced Thursday that LYNX will resume charging fares on all services on Tuesday after months of fees being waived on bus, NeighborLink and ACCESS LYNX routes. Riders may purchase passes at the customer service window of the LYNX Central Station or on the agencys website. LYNX is currently operating a full schedule with limited seating to help with social distancing measures as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Any customer who does not have a mask can get a free one at the Central Station customer service window.
Orange County mayor fields questions about proposed 1 cent sales tax for transportation
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – During a series of town hall meetings, Orange County residents can ask questions about a proposal to raise the current sales tax to invest in the county’s transportation. Demings said the time is now and the one-cent sales tax could help the county invest more in road infrastructure, add more Lynx buses and expand Sunrail. Orange County resident Sally Baptiste said she’s against the possible sales tax increase. The county said raising fees from the already existing gas tax, property tax and/or impact fees wouldn’t gain as much revenue as the new possible sales tax. The plan will be developed in early 2020 before county commissioners vote on the proposed sales tax increase.