News and Information from August 2021

A Message from the Executive Director

In July, we released a Request For Proposal  for our Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan with responses due back on August 6, 2021. We directly solicited 23 firms and posted the RFP on the SEMPO website. Unfortunately, we did not receive proposal responses from the solicitation. Shortly after the RFP closed we surveyed the firms which were directly solicited as to why they chose not to participate in the RFP. The survey provided for the following options:

​1. Budget for the project was too low
2. Our firm did not feel it had the capacity at this time
3. Not familiar or limited experience with Electric Vehicle Readiness Plans
4. I was not aware of the solicitation
5. Other (please specify)

The survey received twelve responses with a majority (6) stating that they were not familiar or had limited experience with Electric Vehicle Readiness Plans. Three stated they did not feel their firm had the capacity at this time. 

While these initial results were certainly not desired, we still have plenty of options moving forward. Following the RFP closure, I had two local businesses contact me about the RFP with an interest in being considered as a future partner in the plan development. I have also been contacted by a couple local residents interested in being engaged in the planning process. 

At our Technical Planning Committee meeting tomorrow (9/1), I will be discussing with the group as to how they would like to recommend moving forward. This will be an exciting plan to develop and has already garnered interest in our area into seeing a successful plan being established and implemented.

Federal Fleet Electrification Assessment

The federal government could save more than $1 billion by replacing nearly all of its light-duty vehicles and buses with electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of the decade, according to a new report from Atlas Public Policy released Wednesday by the Electrification Coalition. The report finds that by 2025, up to 40% of the 315,000 gas-powered light-duty vehicles and buses the U.S. government owns (excluding those the U.S. Postal Service owns) could be replaced by EVs at a lower total cost of ownership. By 2030, that number rises to 97%. The Postal Service (USPS), which operates the largest fleet of any agency, could see even greater savings. By 2025, it would be cheaper to use an EV for more than 99% of the service’s fleet, for a savings of $2.9 billion over the life of the vehicles. Click the button below to view the report and additional findings. 

SEMPO Joins AMPO

In July, SEMPO joined the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) which serves as a transportation advocate for metropolitan regions, committed to enhancing MPOs’ abilities to improve metropolitan transportation systems. AMPO membership provides SEMPO with access to technical expertise, policy updates, advocacy services, committee opportunities, peer-to-peer networking, educational development,  and a number of additional perks such as free RFP/RFQ postings. To learn more about AMPO click the button below to visit their website.

Missouri Active Transportation Summit

On August 13, SEMPO staff attended the Missouri Active Transportation Summit presented by the The Association of Bicycle & Pedestrian Professionals - Missouri Chapter, Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation, Missouri Livable Streets, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Presentations highlighted successful active transportation projects throughout the state building the case for more investments to be made into active transportation projects which will support more diverse transportation communities. 

Roadway Fatalities Update

The Southeast District has experienced 75 fatalities on the roadways in 2021 as of August 22. This number is up from 64 fatalities reported from July 11. Of these 75 fatalities, 39 occupants were not buckled and 66 were in rural locations. Statewide, the 2021 total thus far is 623 lives lost. This number surpasses the number of fatalities statewide Missouri has experienced in the years of 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. At this time last year there were a recorded 627 lives lost. Sadly, 2020 remains on track to be the most fatal for roadway travelers in Missouri over a five year span, but this year is close behind. 

Kansas City to pilot streetlight-mounted EV chargers 

It makes sense. Street lights already have power running to them (of course they do). They really only serve a single purpose, and it needs to be dark to satisfy that purpose. This new pilot project being undertaken by Kansas City will be interesting to follow. The hurdles to attracting individuals to adopt electric vehicles is vast. The below article cites 80% of electric vehicle users charge their vehicles at home. But U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Housing Survey found more than one-third of U.S. homeowners,  and nearly two-thirds of renters,  do not have a garage or carport, which creates a significant barrier to at-home EV charging. Having more visible charging locations within communities is one area where streetlight charging locations may have an impact. Click the button below to read the full article on the Kansas City pilot project. 

SEMPO Trivia

In 1955, Ford Motor Company developed a concept car known as the Lincoln Futura. The car never made it into production, but in the hands of famed car designer George Barris, it would later make it into American pop culture. Which of these cars was a modified Lincoln Futura?

a. The Munstermobile
b. The Monkeemobile
c. Magnum P.I.'s ride 
d. Marty McFly's time traveling vehicle
e. The Batmobile
f. James Bond's car in Live and Let Die

Be the first one to respond to my email (amcelroy@cityofcape.org) with the correct answer and I'll bring the drink of your choice to our next meeting.

Suspended Pedestrian Roundabout?

The Hovenring is a uniquely suspended cycle path roundabout in the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands. It is situated in between the localities of Eindhoven, Veldhoven, and Meerhoven; which account for its name. Click the video below to watch drone footage of the structure. 

Transportation Quote

“Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anybody going faster than you is a maniac.”

– George Carlin