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Since its inception, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been an advocate for the American public – working to keep people, vehicles and roads safe. Culture, technology and innovations both steer and detour us on our Road to Zero fatalities. In 2015 alone, 35,092 lives were lost in motor vehicle crashes. Crashes are no accident and each tragedy is preventable.

Americans deserve safer roads, and that starts with culture. NHTSA is taking the initiative to create the future as opposed to just letting it happen. In our view, the only acceptable goal for roadway fatalities is zero. Our strategic plan, “The Road Ahead”, highlights three lanes that can deliver a future free from motor vehicle fatalities.

Proactive Vehicle Safety is about working with automakers to make sure they are prioritizing safety and building vehicles without dangerous defects. The agency finalized an historic agreement in 2016 to help identify defects before they become a safety risk. The Road Ahead further addresses these efforts by continuing to realign NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation to identify and remedy issues earlier, improve recall completion rates, and inform and empower consumers.

Advanced Vehicle Safety Technologies will revolutionize roadway safety by preventing crashes from ever occurring. Automated and connected driving systems will pioneer a new world of vehicle operation and safety. We have actively advanced safety technology research for decades and recently released the Federal Automated Vehicles Policy, an unprecedented, proactive measure to safely test and deploy automated vehicles while encouraging innovation. We also just issued a proposed rule on Connected Vehicles, which could transform roadway safety by allowing vehicles to “talk” to each other to avoid deadly crashes.

Human Factors like drunk, drugged, distracted, and drowsy driving account for 94 percent of fatal crashes. In 2016, we held six regional summits across the country to find new solutions to these factors. We convened the Road to Zero Coalition to address behavioral safety challenges in a new, comprehensive way, and strengthen our partnerships with state highway safety offices and local law enforcement to combat these issues.

The Road Ahead is part of NHTSA’s call to action to not just reduce fatalities and injuries, but help drive us to zero fatalities. We hope you’ll share it, and look for opportunities to help Americans drive, ride and walk safely.

The Council agreed its position on the revision of safety rules for civil aviation. The draft regulation contains a new mandate for the European Aviation Safety Agency. It also includes the first EU-wide rules on civil drones, to enable drones to fly safely in European airspace and boost this rapidly expanding industry.

Aviation safety, EASA and drones rules: Council adopts its position
The Council also adopted its position on two proposals which are part of a review of passenger ship safety: a revised ‘general’ directive on safety rules for passenger ships and a simplified inspection regime for ro-ro ferries and high-speed passenger craft.

Passenger ship safety: Council stance on two sets of rules
In addition, ministers took stock of the progress made on revised rules on the registration of ship passengers, which is the third proposal under the review.

“Citizens want to move around in safety. Offering the highest safety standards across all modes of transport should be our top priority. This was the main theme running through all our discussions today, both in relation to aviation and shipping. I am pleased at the swift action of the Council on civil aviation safety rules and passenger ship safety rules. This is how the Council works for the benefit of citizens and delivers tangible results.”

Arpád Érsek, Slovak Minister for Transport, Construction and Regional Development and Chair of the Council
The Council also adopted, without discussion, a mandate that will enable the Commission to launch talks on a comprehensive air transport agreement with Armenia. The agreement will enhance connectivity based on common rules, ultimately aiming at full implementation of the EU aviation acquis in this neighbourhood country.

Air transport agreement with Armenia: Council adopts mandate

Highlights from the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (Telecom) Council on 2 December 2016 in Brussels.
Telecommunications – 2 December

The Council adopted a general approach on new rules for wholesale roaming markets in the EU. This is an important step in preparing the abolition of roaming fees for consumers on 15 June 2017 as agreed. The general approach is the starting point for negotiations with the European Parliament.

“Who does not wish to remain connected and to communicate when travelling or on holiday? Abolition of roaming charges is in the eyes of many the most concrete achievement of the Union. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we meet our citizens’ expectations. I welcome today´s swift decision by the Council to agree on wholesale roaming caps to enable negotiations with the European Parliament and make roam-like-at-home reality as of next year.”

Arpád Érsek, Slovak Minister for Transport, Construction and Regional Development
Wholesale roaming: Council ready for talks with EP
The Council adopted a partial general approach on a proposal under which the EU will fund the installation of free WiFi4EU internet connections in local communities.

Free WiFi4EU internet connection – Council agrees its position
Ministers held a policy debate on recent proposals on the reform of the EU telecoms rules. They expressed their support for the connectivity objectives in the proposals and agreed on the need to work together to achieve them, including on 5G. At the same time, they stressed the need to respect subsidiarity and regulate only where it is necessary. The messages from the debate will steer future work at technical level.

Ministers took note of the progress made on the proposal to increase regulatory oversight and price transparency for cross-border parcel delivery services.

Over lunch, ministers provided guidance to the Commission for future work on free flow of data. The discussion addressed issues such as data localisation and other barriers to the free flow of data, the main obstacles to future innovation and growth of the data economy, and user control of data.

“Our presidency has shown itself to be a determined advocate of a strong, fair and competitive digital single market. We have paid particular attention to eliminating barriers in e-commerce through geo-blocking, to facilitating the use of electronic services in public administration and the availability of digital content, as well as to the importance of consumer protection and cybersecurity. Today, I have reported to the Council on the significant progress that has been achieved.”

Peter Pellegrini, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and the Information Society

Highlights from the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), on 5 December 2016 in Brussels.
Energy – 5 December

The Council held a policy debate on the proposal for a regulation concerning measures to safeguard the security of gas supply.

The aim of the regulation is to create a cost-effective EU regional framework that would minimize the impact of a potential gas disruption and therefore increase the security of supply across the EU. Enhanced regional cooperation and coordination are important tools for creating greater solidarity and trust between member states and for strengthening the internal energy market.

A compromise was found on the main issues: regional cooperation, exchange of information on commercial gas contracts, and solidarity

regional cooperation: based on groups of member states identified on the basis of the main risks for the EU’s gas supply
exchange of information: long-term contracts which provide 40% or more of annual gas consumption in the member state concerned would be notified to the competent authority. They would be assessed by the competent authority, with regard in particular to their impact on the security of gas supplies in the member state and the region
solidarity: solidarity, together with general principles on compensation, should be defined in the text of the regulation, whilst member states should be allowed to take into account their specific national situation and possible different approaches to calculating compensation
“Security of gas supply is a key issue where countries need to act on the basis of the recognition that we have a shared interest. Today’s debate was important in that it gave a very clear steer on the security of supply regulation in three main areas. I am pleased that a solution is emerging. We aim to transform this political guidance as soon as possible and receive a mandate which will then enable the Council to open negotiations with the Parliament.”

Peter Žiga, Minister for the Economy and Chair of the Council
The Council had a presentation by the Commission of its “Clean Energy Package”, in the framework of the implementation of the Energy Union Strategy. It includes legislation on energy efficiency, electricity market design, renewables and energy governance.

The Council also took note of information from the Presidency on the state of play of two important legislative files on which the Council has agreed on general approaches.

the decision on an information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements between member states and third countries: two trilogues have taken place: on 8 and 24 November. Significant progress has been achieved and provisional agreement was reached on a number of topics. A third trilogue is scheduled for 7 December.
the regulation on energy efficiency labelling: three trilogues took place under the Slovak Presidency in July, September and October 2016. Provisional agreement was reached on most non-core political issues. The Presidency also submitted compromise proposals on the core issues of rescaling and the database in view of a possible third trilogue.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau is now soliciting applications for up to $850 million in Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grants.

The FASTLANE program was established in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to fund critical freight and highway projects across the country. The FAST Act authorized the program at $4.5 billion for fiscal years (FY) 2016 through 2020, including $850 million for FY 2017 to be awarded by the Secretary of Transportation. 

“Across the country, there are sidelined projects that are essential to America’s cities and our transportation network, and leveraging a FASTLANE grant from the Build America Bureau can move many of these projects forward,” said Secretary Foxx. “FASTLANE grants give us an opportunity to identify and invest strategically in those projects that are critical to keeping our nation’s economic engine running.”

In September, the Department announced the selection of eighteen projects to receive $759 million in FASTLANE funding, leveraging $3.6 billion in funding from other federal, state, local, and private sources. The FASTLANE program provides dedicated, discretionary funding for projects that address critical freight issues facing our nation’s highways and bridges. It is also in line with the Department’s draft National Freight Strategic Plan released in October 2015, which looks at challenges and identifies strategies to address impediments to the efficient flow of goods throughout the nation.

In the first call for FASTLANE grants, USDOT received 212 applications totaling nearly $9.8 billion for grants – with states and localities requesting over 13 times more funding than was available through FASTLANE – underscoring the continuing need for infrastructure investment across the country. Of the 212 applications received, 136 represented projects in urban areas, while the remaining 76 supported rural projects.  The need to support projects improving the Nation’s freight system is also highlighted in the Department’s report, Beyond Traffic 2045: Trends and Choices, where freight volume is expected to grow to 29 billion tons—an increase by 45 percent by the year 2040.

The deadline for submitting applications is 8:00PM on December 15, 2016. The Department of Transportation will review all eligible applications submitted at http://www.grants.gov.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, – United Airlines (UAL) and DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist within Deutsche Post DHL Group, today announced several significant growth and expansion initiatives in Puerto Rico. The two companies are working together to continue developing Puerto Rico’s life sciences and pharmaceutical industries by increasing widebody flights, and offering customers expanded cold chain storage solutions with three new temperature-controlled chambers operating at 15 to 25° C (59 to 77° F) in San Juan. The additional United flights will also offer additional opportunities for tourism to Puerto Rico, further boosting the local economy.

DHL will expand its San Juan warehouse to offer increased capacity for handling shipments that require strict temperature controls.
United Airlines, in part to serve the increased demand for moving temperature-controlled shipments by air, will add widebody aircraft flights between San Juan and the airline’s New York/Newark hub.

DHL Expansion
The DHL facility expansion will take place by dividing DHL’s current 5,616 square foot warehouse in San Juan into three independently operated cold chambers with a combined capacity of 324 pallets using single pallet racks or 486 pallets on double deep racks. Each of the three chambers will operate at 15 to 25° C (59 to 77° F) and have 100 percent redundant refrigeration systems. The chambers will also have a hot gas injection system to maintain required relative humidity levels during operation.

“Pharmaceutical companies have increasingly invested in Puerto Rico over the years, and they need a strong global network and cold chain infrastructure to handle their delicate medicines and pharmaceutical products,” said Frank Cascante, head of sales & marketing for DHL Temperature Management Solutions, DHL Global Forwarding. “DHL Global Forwarding is investing in Puerto Rico by expanding to meet the growing needs of this important market by offering it our cutting-edge temperature-controlled services.”

DHL has been present in Puerto Rico since 1958 and has operations in San Juan with 35 professionals dedicated to servicing the island’s life sciences and health care industry.

According to the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO), the island has 49 FDA-approved pharmaceutical plants and 12 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies have a presence there. It also is the fifth largest pharmaceutical manufacturing territory in the world. DHL Global Forwarding offers life sciences and health care customers a portfolio of services that includes transportation sourcing and management, shipment tracking, specialty cold chain packaging, RFID label application and temperature-controlled storage and fulfillment, among other services. The company also adheres to strict processes, quality standards and services that comply with government agencies’ requirements.

United Airlines Expansion
Beginning December 18, 2016, United will increase widebody service between San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport from one to six flights weekly. The route will operate with Boeing 777 aircraft offering customers 344 seats.  
“Building strong, collaborative relationships with United Cargo customers allows us to share innovative ideas and opportunities to ensure we meet the needs of the global health care community,” said Jim Bellinder, United Cargo’s vice president of Sales Americas. “By expanding our TempControl service for temperature-sensitive patient care products into San Juan, United is improving the lives and health of people in Puerto Rico and around the world.”
“For the last 25 years, United Airlines has been a proud member of the San Juan business community and has played a vital role in connecting Puerto Rico to the world,” said Millie Uriarte, United’s regional director of Sales for Puerto Rico. “Today’s announcement is just the beginning and we look forward to continuing to do business with customers throughout the island.”

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate more than 4,500 flights a day to 339 airports across five continents. In 2015, United and United Express operated more than 1.5 million flights carrying more than 140 million customers. United is proud to have the world’s most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates more than 720 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 21 new Boeing aircraft, including 737 NGs, 787s and 777s. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 192 countries via 28 member airlines. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

About DHL
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL family of divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 340,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and health care, energy, automotive and retail, a proven commitment to corporate responsibility and an unrivalled presence in developing markets, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world.” DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 59 billion euros in 2015.

Bonn, 28 September 2016 Deutsche Post DHL Group, the world’s leading mail and logistics group, has reached an agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer to acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of UK Mail Group plc (UK Mail), one of the largest integrated mail and parcel operators within the UK. The acquisition will allow Deutsche Post DHL Group to bring its expertise in e-commerce and parcel delivery together with UK Mail’s existing customer base and network, to drive substantial shareholder value. In particular, the acquisition of UK Mail:

Strengthens the European market position of DHL Parcel, adding a commercial and operational presence, including pick-up and delivery capabilities, in the UK, Europe’s largest e-commerce market
Enhances Deutsche Post DHL Group and UK Mail’s customer value propositions
Strengthens UK Mail’s UK market position
Delivers significant synergy benefits
Juergen Gerdes, Deutsche Post DHL Group Board Member, said: “The on-going expansion of our parcel network in Europe is driven by increasing demand within our e-commerce customer base for cross-border deliveries. Deutsche Post DHL Group, as the leader in the German parcel market, has already established a strong position in a number of European countries. UK Mail is a well-run business and an established provider of quality delivery services in the UK and offers a complementary fit with our integrated offering. With this acquisition, we will further extend our network and have a strong foothold in Europe’s three largest e-commerce markets, the UK, Germany and France, which account for over 60% of online retail in the continent.”

Deutsche Post DHL Group’s cash offer of GBP 4.40 per share values the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of UK Mail at GBP 242.7 million, which represents a premium of 43.1 per cent over the closing price per UK Mail share on 27 September, 2016. The Directors of UK Mail intend to make a unanimous recommendation that company shareholders accept the offer.

DHL Parcel is the leading parcel delivery company in Germany, Europe’s largest parcel market by volume, and has expanded its cross-border network since 2014 to cover 18 European countries. The company has pioneered a number of innovative solutions, from same-day and time-specific delivery to automated Packstations and parcel shops that maximize delivery convenience. UK Mail, founded in 1971 by the current Chairman Peter Kane, has a network of over 50 sites in the UK, including an automated national hub in Ryton which can process up to 20,000 parcels per hour. UK Mail offers business customers a unique integrated service with a full range of time-sensitive and secure delivery options for parcels and letters.

Deutsche Post DHL Group is the world’s leading logistics and mail communications company. The Group is focused on being the first choice for customers, employees and investors in its core business areas worldwide. It makes a positive contribution to the world by connecting people and enabling global trade while being committed to responsible business practices and corporate citizenship.

Deutsche Post DHL Group operates under two brands: Deutsche Post is Europe’s leading postal service provider. DHL is uniquely positioned in the world’s growth markets, with a comprehensive range of international express, freight transportation, eCommerce, and supply chain management services.

Deutsche Post DHL Group employs approximately 500,000 employees in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The Group generated revenues of more than 59 billion Euros in 2015.

Berlin, – (NYSE:GE) – GE Transportation in collaboration with Intel Corp., introduced a “superbrain” platform solution for locomotives that transforms them into mobile data headquarters – helping make trains smarter and faster. The best-in-class embedded solution, unveiled today at InnoTrans 2016, improve operations, fuel efficiency, horsepower and emissions, and enhance a locomotive’s tractive effort.
The GoLINC™ system – network, communication and application management platform capable of turning any locomotive into a mobile data center – features the 6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor.

GoLINC interfaces with both on-board and off-board GE and third-party systems to create a powerful Predix™-edge-enabled device. It’s the brain of the train on more than 6,000 locomotives today. The new offering will allow for better data management and video analytics on the locomotive, and enables the creation and deployment of future technologies into the GoLINC platform.

“Our partnership delivers the most advanced connectivity across the rail industry to create a smarter rail ecosystem,” says GE Transportation President and CEO Jamie Miller. “It enables operators to transfer data, host applications and interface with third-party systems, and can boost operational productivity.”

“This platform enhancement to the GoLINC mobile data center saves time and lowers costs by reducing the amount of data transferred over cellular connections, and will enable the rail industry to perform at its best,” says Val Stoyanov, Intel’s GM, Global Transportation. “We look forward to continued collaboration with GE Transportation.”

The Intel collaboration is one of several announcements GE Transportation is making at the biennial InnoTrans international trade fair. The announcements build on the vision of a digitally connected rail ecosystem GE Transportation spotlighted in 2014 when it introduced its integrated suite of software solutions, powered by the Rail Operating System.

With a deep understanding of the rail industry challenges its customers face, GE Transportation committed to increasing and enhancing its connected suite of capabilities to help customers extend locomotive life, lower fuel consumption, decrease emissions, increase velocity and improve operating ratios.

To learn more, visit www.getransportation.com/innotrans2016, or meet GE Transportation in Hall 6.2 501 at InnoTrans. InnoTrans 2016, the leading international trade fair for transport technology, continues through Friday in Berlin.

About GE Transportation
At GE Transportation, we are in the business of realizing potential. We are a global technology leader and supplier of equipment, services and solutions to the rail, mining, marine, stationary power and drilling industries. Our innovations help customers deliver goods and services with greater speed and savings using our advanced manufacturing techniques and connected machines. Our digital solutions, which provide data-driven insights to improve efficiency, utilize Predix – GE’s cloud-based operating system for the Industrial Internet. Established more than a century ago, GE Transportation is a division of the General Electric Company that began as a pioneer in passenger and freight locomotives. That innovative spirit still drives GE Transportation today and is strengthened by our ability to serve customers more holistically through the GE Store – a global exchange of knowledge, technology and tools across all GE businesses that ultimately provides better outcomes for customers. GE Transportation is headquartered in Chicago, IL, and employs approximately 10,000 employees worldwide.

WASHINGTON – Amtrak is contracting with Alstom to produce 28 next-generation high-speed trainsets that will replace the equipment used to provide Amtrak’s premium Acela Express service. The contract is part of $2.45 billion that will be invested on the heavily traveled Northeast Corridor (NEC) as part of a multifaceted modernization program to renew and expand the Acela Express service.

“Amtrak is taking the necessary actions to keep our customers, the Northeast region and the American economy moving forward,” said Amtrak President & CEO Joe Boardman. “These trainsets and the modernization and improvement of infrastructure will provide our customers with the mobility and experience of the future.”

The new trainsets will have one-third more passenger seats, while preserving the spacious, high-end comfort of current Acela Express service. Each trainset will have modern amenities that can be upgraded as customer preferences evolve such as improved Wi-Fi access, personal outlets, USB ports and adjustable reading lights at every seat, enhanced food service and a smoother, more reliable ride.

This procurement comes as demand for Acela Express service is as popular as ever, with many trains selling out during peak travel periods. The new trainsets will allow for increased service including half-hourly Acela Express service between Washington D.C. and New York City during peak hours, and hourly service between New York City and Boston.

“As more people rely on Amtrak, we need modernized equipment and infrastructure to keep the region moving,” said Chairman of the Amtrak Board of Directors Anthony Coscia. “These trainsets will build on the popularity and demand of the current Acela Express and move this company into the future as a leader in providing world-class transportation.”

The new trainsets will operate along the Washington – New York – Boston Northeast Corridor initially at speeds up to 160 mph and will be capable of speeds up to 186 mph and thus will be able to take advantage of future NEC infrastructure improvements.

Additionally, the trainsets use the base design of one of the safest high-speed trainsets. Concentrated power cars, located at each end of the trainset, provide an extra buffer of protection. The trainsets will also meet the latest Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines including a Crash Energy Management system.

“The next generation of Acela service will mean safer, faster and modern trains for customers throughout the Northeast,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “This investment will pay immediate dividends for businesses and travelers from Washington D.C. to Boston, and the fact that these new trains will be built in Upstate New York makes this project a win-win. These New York-made Acela trains will soon be zipping along the Northeast Corridor and – as a regular customer – I can’t wait for my first ride.”

“The Northeast Corridor is a national economic engine that carries a workforce contributing $50 billion annually to the national GDP,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “Amtrak’s continued investment in modernizing its fleet will only serve to enhance this vital rail link between Boston and Washington D.C. while allowing for safer and faster travel at a time when passenger demand is expected to rise. Strengthening our nation’s infrastructure is essential to the economic growth of our region and the nation and this investment by Amtrak will help ensure the reliable service travelers expect.”

Amtrak is funding the trainsets and infrastructure improvements through the FRA’s Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing program that will be repaid through growth in NEC revenues.

“Amtrak is grateful for all of the support we have received from Congress, especially from Sen. Schumer and Rep. Reed who represents Hornell, New York – home of the Alstom facility,” said Boardman. “We would also like to thank Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson and House Transportation Committee Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for their leadership on the FAST Act. Additionally, we appreciate the efforts of Senators Booker and Wicker for their support on the inclusion of the rail title, the first time Amtrak reauthorization has been included in surface transportation legislation.”

In addition to the trainsets, Amtrak is also investing in infrastructure needed to improve the on-board and station customer experience that will accommodate the increased high-speed rail service levels. Amtrak will invest in significant station improvements at Washington Union Station, Moynihan Station New York, as well as track capacity and ride quality improvements to the NEC that will benefit both Acela Express riders and other Amtrak and commuter passengers. Amtrak will also modify fleet maintenance facilities to accommodate the new trains.

The trainsets will be manufactured at Alstom’s Hornell and Rochester, N.Y., facilities, creating 400 local jobs. Additionally, parts for the new trainsets will come from more than 350 suppliers in more than 30 states, generating an additional 1,000 jobs across the country.

The first prototype of the new trainsets will be ready in 2019, with the first trainset entering revenue service in 2021. All of the trainsets are expected to be in service, and the current fleet retired, by the end of 2022.

About Amtrak®
Amtrak – America’s Railroad® – is dedicated to safe and reliable mobility as the nation’s intercity passenger rail service provider and its high-speed rail operator. With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak passengers for each of the past five years. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Learn more at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and other information. Check us out at blog.Amtrak.com, Like us on Facebook.com and Follow us on Twitter @Amtrak.

Today we’re announcing our intention to merge Uber China with Didi Chuxing.

Three years ago I traveled to China with a small group of people to see if we might be able to launch Uber there. It was an ambitious idea, given that we were still a relatively small start-up and no one there had ever heard of the company. Most of the people we asked for advice thought we were naive, crazy—or both.

I came away with a different view. First, that China is an amazing country and if you aspire to make “transportation as reliable as running water, everywhere for everyone” you can’t ignore a fifth of the world’s population. And second, as an entrepreneur, if you have the opportunity to build both Amazon and Alibaba at the same time, you’d be crazy not to try.

Fast forward to today and Uber China—in just two years—has exceeded even my wildest dreams. We’ve grown super fast and are now doing more than 150 million trips a month. This is no small feat given that most U.S technology companies struggle to crack the code there. That’s why I’m so proud of what our amazing China team has accomplished.

However, as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that being successful is about listening to your head as well as following your heart. Uber and Didi Chuxing are investing billions of dollars in China and both companies have yet to turn a profit there. Getting to profitability is the only way to build a sustainable business that can best serve Chinese riders, drivers and cities over the long term.

I have no doubt that Uber China and Didi Chuxing will be stronger together. That’s why I’m so excited about our future, both in China—a country which has been incredibly open to innovation in our industry—and the rest of the world, where ridesharing is increasingly becoming a credible alternative to car ownership.

Travis Kalanick, CEO and Co-Founder, Uber

Behind every successful Uber ride is a technology many of us take for granted: maps. Mobile maps and GPS allow us to match you with the closest available driver, navigate the fastest path to your destination, and give you an accurate ETA. Accurate maps are at the heart of our service and the backbone of our business.

In fact, Uber wouldn’t exist if comprehensive interactive digital maps hadn’t been created first. For over a decade, I helped lead that effort as the head of Google Maps. Today I lead Uber’s mapping efforts to ensure we can provide a safe, reliable ride — no matter where you are. To do that, Uber uses a mix of mapping technologies (including our own) to provide the underlying infrastructure for our apps.

Existing maps are a good starting point, but some information isn’t that relevant to Uber, like ocean topography. There are other things we need to know a lot more about, like traffic patterns and precise pickup and dropoff locations. Moreover, we need to be able to provide a seamless experience in parts of the world where there aren’t detailed maps — or street signs.

The ongoing need for maps tailored to the Uber experience is why we’re doubling down on our investment in mapping. Last year we put mapping cars on the road in the United States. This summer they hit the road in Mexico. Our efforts are similar to what other companies including Apple and TomTom are already doing around the world.

The street imagery captured by our mapping cars will help us improve core elements of the Uber experience, like ideal pick-up and drop-off points and the best routes for riders and drivers. Although our imagery collection efforts are focused now in Mexico, we plan to expand these efforts to other countries soon.

Over the past decade mapping innovation has disrupted industries and changed daily life in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I started. That progress will only accelerate in the coming years especially with technologies like self-driving cars. I remain excited by the prospect of how maps can put the world at our fingertips, improve everyday life, impact billions of people and enable innovations we can’t even imagine today.

Union Pacific plans to invest $121.6 million in 2016 to improve California’s transportation infrastructure. The company’s multi-million dollar private investment will enhance employee, community and customer safety and increase rail operating efficiency. Freight railroads like Union Pacific operate on track built and maintained without taxpayer funds. Union Pacific’s private investments sustain jobs and ensure the company meets growing demand for products used in the American economy.

Union Pacific’s planned investment covers a range of initiatives: $104 million to maintain railroad track and $17.3 million to maintain bridges in the state. Key projects planned this year include:

$5.1 million investment in the rail line between Galt and Stockton to replace 37,277 railroad ties.
$5.8 million investment in the rail line in Fresno to replace almost 12 miles of new rail.
$5.2 million investment in the rail line between Delano and Bakersfield to replace 38,882 railroad ties.
This year’s planned $121.6 million capital expenditure in California is part of an ongoing investment strategy. From 2011 to 2015 Union Pacific invested more than $467 million strengthening California’s transportation infrastructure.

“We constantly evaluate our customers’ needs to make targeted investments that enhance our efficiency and deliver the goods American businesses and families use daily,” said Wes Lujan, Union Pacific vice president – Public Affairs, Western Region. “Continuing to aggressively invest in our infrastructure is an important element in Union Pacific’s unwavering safety commitment.”

Union Pacific plans to spend $3.75 billion across its network this year, following investments totaling approximately $33 billion from 2006-2015. These investments contributed to a 25 percent decrease in derailments over the last 10 years.

ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America’s most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2006-2015, Union Pacific invested approximately $33 billion in its network and operations to support America’s transportation infrastructure. The railroad’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

The European Commission welcomes the agreement reached yesterday evening by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers of the EU on the Fourth Railway Package. This is a series of measures to make European railways more innovative and competitive. The agreement will in particular improve the performance of rail services in the EU to the benefit of passengers with a gradual opening of the domestic rail markets. The agreement now needs to be endorsed by the Member States and the European Parliament in the coming days. Once adopted, the package will complete the single European rail area and therefore deliver on this Commission’s agenda of a fairer and deeper internal market.

EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said “This agreement opens a new chapter for European railways. For too long, the rail sector had no incentives to adapt to consumer-demand and as a result the market share of rail steadily declined. Gradual market-opening will improve the performance of rail services. This agreement will also create new investment opportunities and foster job creation in the sector. Finally, it should encourage Europeans to make a greater use of rail, contributing to our decarbonisation objectives. When railways become more attractive, everybody wins.”

Following today’s agreement, the Fourth Railway package will gradually open domestic passenger rail markets to competition. Gradual market opening will bring a number of benefits to passengers, public authorities and to the European economy as a whole. It will in particular:

1. Revitalise domestic rail markets. Over the last decades, rail traffic has experienced a steady decline, with the persistence of domestic monopolies. With the fourth railway package, all EU railway undertakings will be able to offer rail services throughout the EU. For “commercial” services, new entrants will be able to operate as of 2020. As of 2023, competent authorities should award public service rail contracts through competitive tenders opened to all EU railway undertakings, except in specific cases.

2. Make railways more responsive to market and consumer demand. Market-opening will favour the emergence of new business models, and offer more choice to consumers. Competitive pressure from new entrants will also force incumbents to adapt and become more consumer-oriented. Competition is however not an end in itself and Member States will still be able to directly award public service rail contracts, provided that performance targets (quality, punctuality, etc.) are met. Passengers will reap the benefits of these developments. Experience from the Member States having already opened their domestic market suggests increased frequencies, better services and lower fares.

3. Deliver on President Juncker’s political priorities. In their letter of intent to the Presidents of the Parliament and the Council of the EU, Commission President Juncker and First Vice-President Timmermans stressed the importance of the Fourth Railway package to the realisation of the Commission’s priorities. By gradually opening domestic rail markets, the package will complete the internal market for rail services, and thereby directly deliver on the Commission’s priority of a fairer and deeper internal market. It will also foster investments in the rail sector and evidence from liberalised Member States suggests that market opening had a positive impact on job creations. Finally, rail is by far the most sustainable form of transport and by making it more attractive, the fourth railway package should enable a shift from other more polluting transport modes towards rail. This would contribute to the EU’s decarbonisation objectives.

The agreement must now be approved by the Member States and the European Parliament in the coming days. The package will then have to be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. This is expected to be done by autumn 2016.

Background
The Fourth Railway Package is a set of six legislative proposals put forward by the European Commission in January 2013. The European Parliament adopted its first reading position on the entire package in February 2014, while the Council agreed on positions (“general approach”) on the different proposals between June 2013 and October 2015. The inter-institutional agreement reached on 19 April 2016 now concludes the negotiations between the Parliament and the Council, and paves the way for a swift adoption of the package.

Norfolk, Va. – Norfolk Southern today announced it is consolidating its three operating regions into two, effective March 15. The decision to further streamline railroad operations is part of the company’s ongoing execution of its five-year strategic plan, announced in December 2015, to enhance operating efficiencies, reduce costs, drive profitability, and accelerate growth. As previously announced, NS is targeting annual expense savings of $650 million by 2020.

“We are committed to aggressively controlling costs while delivering the high levels of superior service that our customers value,” said Mike Wheeler, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Consolidating our operating regions will generate productivity savings, not only through right-sizing, but also by leveraging advancements in train dispatch technologies that support more fluid and efficient movement of freight across the network. As we continue to execute on our five-year strategic plan, we are confident that these steps will make Norfolk Southern a faster, lower-cost, and more profitable railroad.”

Earlier this year, Norfolk Southern streamlined division operations by combining the former Virginia and Pocahontas divisions into a larger Pocahontas Division. This became effective Feb. 1, and followed other key strategic initiatives including the reduction from three corporate office locations to two, restructuring of the Triple Crown Services subsidiary, integration of the D&H South Line to increase options for shippers, and idling of certain parts of the ‘West Virginia Secondary’ line.

Norfolk Southern’s network spans 22 states in the eastern U.S. The railroad presently manages train operations across 10 operating divisions that are part of three larger operating regions – the Eastern, Western, and Northern regions.

Under the new structure, effective March 15, Norfolk Southern’s network will be divided into Northern and Southern regions only. The Northern Region will include the Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Dearborn, Lake, and Illinois divisions. Greg Comstock, a 41-year veteran of Norfolk Southern operations, will be the region’s general manager. The region’s chief engineers will be Eddie Otey, maintenance of way and structures, and Mick Ireton, communications and signals. The Southern Region will include the Piedmont, Alabama, Georgia, Central, and Pocahontas divisions. Todd Reynolds, a 22-year veteran of Norfolk Southern operations, will be the region’s general manager. The region’s chief engineers will be Lucious Bobbitt, maintenance of way and structures, and Randall Smith, communications and signals.

Each of the two consolidated regions will support approximately 1,000 daily crew starts for long-haul train operations, connecting customers and communities to global markets with freight rail that moves consumer goods, automobiles, coal, grain, and products essential to U.S. households, businesses, and industries.

About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., – CSX (Nasdaq:CSX) Chief Financial Officer Frank Lonegro today highlighted the company’s track record of success during the energy market transition and updated expectations for company performance at the Barclays Industrial Select Conference in Miami, Florida.

Over the past five years, CSX has grown its merchandise and intermodal business faster than the economy and delivered strong pricing and efficiency gains in the face of a secular decline in coal and shifts in other energy markets. As a result, the company delivered compound annual growth in earnings per share of 4 percent during that period and an operating ratio below 70 percent for 2015.

However, the intensifying coal headwinds and the impact of the strong U.S. dollar and low global commodity prices that impacted CSX in 2015 are expected to further challenge results in 2016. CSX expects coal volume to decline more than 20 percent and most other markets to continue posting year-over-year declines this year.

“Based on the trends so far this year, we expect volume to decline in the mid-high single digits this quarter and to gradually moderate as we move through the year,” Lonegro said. “We expect first quarter earnings to decline significantly, reflecting both this volume environment and the fact that we are cycling more than $100 million in unique items from the first quarter of 2015.”

For 2016, the company continues to target $200 million in productivity savings. In addition, Lonegro reiterated that CSX continues working to further reduce structural resources and to match resources with volume declines near term while also remaining well-positioned to serve demand shifts once the economic challenges begin to subside.

“In this environment, we continue to focus on the things most in our control, including delivering safe, reliable service that increases operational efficiency and supports strong pricing for the value we provide to customers,” Lonegro said. “As we look toward a future with significantly less coal, our strategy includes rationalizing and realigning the network to match decreased demand in some markets and adjust to increases in others, investing in clearance and terminal projects to leverage intermodal growth, and optimizing technology to serve the CSX of tomorrow as we continue to target a mid-60s operating ratio longer term.”

About CSX and its Disclosures
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 190 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation’s economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation’s population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike.

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines is partnering with Uber to create a door-to-door streamlined service to help customers get from home or work to the airport and back. The companies will work together to provide customers faster service, better airport navigation, rider promotions and mileage promotions.

“We’re excited to partner with the only global ride sharing service to offer customers exactly what they’re asking for – a seamless travel experience, whether they’re in the sky or on the ground,” said Scott Hinshaw, American’s director – Partner Marketing. “By working together, we can provide a service that allows customers to request their Uber ride to the airport in step with their itinerary and know where to meet their Uber driver after their flight lands.”

“Whether you’re trying to get home to see your family, or heading to an important business meeting across the country, your travel experience should be seamless. We’re excited to work with American Airlines to ensure passengers have a great door-to-door experience,” said Jonathan DiOrio, Uber’s head of travel partnerships.

American’s customers can now set a reminder for an Uber ride at the push of a button with the help of Uber’s Ride Reminder. After booking their flights on aa.com, American will send the e-ticket confirmation via email, and the customer can click on the “Remind me to Uber” icon to set a reminder for their ride.

The American Airlines app now has added functionality for navigation to guide customers to the nearest Uber pick up location at 11 airports across the country.

Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
Los Angeles International (LAX)
New York’s John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
New York’s LaGuardia (LGA)

Philadelphia International (PHL) Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
San Francisco International (SFO)
San Jose International (SJC)
Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)

In addition, customers not currently signed up for Uber can enjoy up to $20 off their next ride when they register their account and use promo code RIDEAA.

American will become the first airline to provide a special one-time offer to select elite members. AAdvantage Executive Platinum members who hold that status as of March 1, 2016, will receive a unique code for up to $25 off their next Uber ride – regardless of whether they have used Uber before. These members will receive their unique code in March.

For a limited time, customers who use their AAdvantage® Aviator™ MasterCard® as the method of payment for Uber purchases will earn two additional bonus miles for every $1 spent on their Uber rides from February 7 through July 31, 2016. Total bonus miles will be awarded after the promotion ends.

This partnership is the latest in a long-term investment American is making to improve and customize the travel experience. Later this year, American will introduce Premium Economy on international routes with the delivery of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner – raising the bar even higher and providing more choices for global travelers. The airline is investing more than $2 billion in fully lie-flat seats; international Wi-Fi; more in-flight entertainment options and power outlets; a new, modern design for Admirals Club lounges worldwide; and an upgraded assortment of complimentary healthy food, cocktails and more. This is in addition to American’s historic fleet renewal which has delivered 215 new aircraft since 2014 and more than 90 new planes are expected in 2016.

About American Airlines Group
American Airlines and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. In 2015, its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced President Obama’s $98.1 billion Fiscal Year 2017 Budget for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The Budget reflects Secretary Foxx’s ambitious 30-year vision for the Department to take the United States “Beyond Traffic”, towards a transportation network that matches the changing geography of where people live and work; fosters innovation and adapts to evolving technology; and provides cleaner options and access to opportunity for people and communities across America.

Tomorrow, Secretary Foxx and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Acting Administrator Therese McMillian will host a press call to highlight key priorities in the President’s budget, including the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program, competitively funded projects that would create thousands of construction and operations-related jobs and help communities expand transportation choices that offer new ladders of opportunity for residents.

Beyond Traffic demonstrated that the population of the United States is expected to grow by 70 million over the next three decades, creating pressures that cut across modes and infrastructure – roads, rails, airspace, ports, and pipelines.

“Meeting future challenges will require a long-term vision for the transportation sector that includes more and cleaner options, and expands those options to communities across the country,” stated Secretary Foxx. “This budget brings us closer to that vision.”

The Budget addresses the Department’s top priority, safety, with high impact investments in the safe integration of emerging technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which have the potential to transform transportation systems, save lives and reduce carbon emissions. Importantly, this Budget charts a path towards fundamental changes in the way the government balances and integrates surface transportation options.

This Budget fully supports the authorized funding levels in the recent surface transportation authorization, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act , but also moves to a regionally-focused approach to transportation funding that reflects the changing shape of the Nation’s communities, and prioritizes spending on projects that will have the most benefits.

FY 2017 Budget Focus Areas:

Invests in Clean, 21st Century Surface Transportation Options that Reflect America’s Changing Geography and Provide Access to Opportunity.

Enhances clean transportation options for American families: Over a 10-year period, the Budget invests an average of nearly $20 billion per year in new investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide new ways for families to get to work, to school, and to the store. The Budget would expand transit systems in cities, fast-growing suburbs, and rural areas; make high-speed rail a viable alternative to flying in major regional corridors; modernize our freight system; and expand the successful Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program to support high-impact, innovative local projects.

Supports investment decisions towards a “21st Century Regions” approach that reflects a changing demographics and economy: Increasingly, Americans are choosing to live in metropolitan areas and megaregions that often cross State lines, yet the majority of Federal transportation funding flows via formula, through the States. This Budget balances that funding stream, by directing billions of dollars through regional governments, such as Metropolitan Planning Organizations, empowering them to play a stronger role in decision-making. Over a 10-year period, the Budget invests an average of $10 billion a year towards a series of new, innovative programs that improve the balance of funding and decision-making and will accelerate the move towards smarter, cleaner, and more integrated communities.

Fully supports FAST-authorized funding levels for surface transportation programs, aimed at keeping the system safe and in a state of good repair. In addition to the proposed increases for surface programs, the Budget fully funds FAST Act levels for FY 2017, which include: $44 billion to invest in the nation’s critical highway and bridge systems; nearly $10 billion to support operations of public transit systems across the Nation; roughly $730 million for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to research and develop new, life-saving technologies and programs; and over $640 million to support nationwide motor carrier safety through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Advances Public and Private Sector Collaboration to Accelerate Cost-Competitive, Low-Carbon Technologies and Intelligent Transportation Systems.

Funds pilot deployments of safe and climate-smart autonomous vehicles to create better, faster, cleaner urban and corridor transportation networks: To accelerate the development and adoption of autonomous vehicles, the Budget includes $3.9 billion over ten years for large-scale deployment pilots to develop a common multistate interoperability framework for connected and autonomous vehicles.

Continues the transition to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen): The Budget requests a total of $1 billion to support NextGen. This includes $877 million for NextGen Capital investments, an increase of $22 million above FY 2016, to advance modernization efforts; enhance automation; implement satellite-based surveillance capabilities; improve data communication practices and technology; and maximize traffic flow.

Ensures Transportation Safety Keeps Pace with Changing Technology and Organizational Needs.

Integrates surface transportation technologies safely into the transportation system: High impact investments will support activities like NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), to test vehicle safety through state-of-the-art equipment such as human-like crash dummies. The Budget invests an $35 million in FY 2017 for this integration.

Strengthens regulatory enforcement agencies across the Department through resources and organizational changes: Across the Department, agencies are taking action to strengthen the regulatory and enforcement capabilities that are key to protecting the safety of travelers and movement of goods. Investments would provide over $47 million for NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation to improve its effectiveness in identifying safety defects quickly, ensuring remedies are implemented promptly, and notifying the public of critical defects. The Budget’s $295 million request for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) also includes proposed organizational changes to elevate the role of research and analysis in support of regulatory development and enforcement.

Supports rail safety through research and development and implementation of positive train control (PTC): The Budget includes $213 million to support the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) rail safety and development programs, including implementation and enforcement of PTC, as well as related track and bridge safety activities, and another $53 million for additional safety research. This includes $12.5 million to analyze and demonstrate the safety and environmental benefits of Electronically Con­trolled Pneumatic brakes.

Protects our maritime interests: The Budget provides over $428 million for the Maritime Administration to implement programs that promote the economic competitiveness, efficiency, and productivity of U.S. Maritime transportation.

Investing in 21st Century Government and Project Delivery.

Modernizes permitting and project delivery: The Budget supports investments that ensure we are making 21st century investments through 21st century delivery mechanisms. The Budget expands the Administration’s progress to expedite permitting and approval processes while protecting safety and the environment.

Supports ongoing establishment of a National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau: Building on the Administration’s successful Build America Investment Initiative, the FAST Act created a new office to streamline and improve the application processes for credit programs, expedite project delivery, and promote innovative financing best practices. The Budget requests resources for implementation, as well as $275 million for the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Program, along with flexibility to also use resources from a range of new multi-modal programs to cover credit subsidy costs.

Protects cybersecurity and data integrity: The Budget includes $15 million to continue improvements to the Department’s cybersecurity. In addition, the Budget includes $4 million to assist the Department in meeting the requirements of the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014.

– See more at: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-transportation-secretary-anthony-foxx-unveils-981-billion-fy-2017-budget-proposal#sthash.x6GWlEXT.dpuf

Norfolk, Va. – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) (“the Company”) (“Norfolk Southern”) today announced further details of its strategic plan designed to streamline operations and drive profitability and growth. The Company’s projected expense reduction and disciplined cost control initiatives are in the categories of compensation and benefits, purchased services and rents, materials, and fuel.

The Company expects to achieve annual productivity savings of more than $650 million per year by 2020, growing from an initial $130 million in 2016. With this plan, Norfolk Southern expects to improve consistency, reliability, and availability, resulting in a faster, lower cost, and more profitable railroad. The Company has already begun implementing the plan and expects associated net benefits to begin appearing in Norfolk Southern’s financial results beginning in the first half of 2016.

The strategic plan, which was announced on Dec. 4, 2015, is the result of a six-month, comprehensive evaluation of the Company’s business model, including customer service, network performance efficiency measures, and revenue growth. The evaluation was led by Norfolk Southern’s Chairman, President and CEO James A. Squires with the assistance of the Board of Directors and management team. As a result of these measures, the Company expects to achieve an operating ratio below 70 in 2016 with additional improvements driving OR to less than 65 by 2020, with double digit annual EPS growth, increased ROE and higher return of capital.

Squires said, “Our new leadership team has already taken significant steps to improve financial and operational performance. Specifically, we are focused on delivering high levels of superior service to build a more profitable franchise based on price and volume growth, implementing efficiency measures, and increasing returns, while simultaneously maintaining our commitment to returning substantial capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

“While Norfolk Southern’s fourth-quarter results do not yet reflect the initiatives under way, we believe we have the right strategic plan to streamline operations, accelerate growth, and enhance value for shareholders. The plan leverages our core competencies in customer service and reliability, while also improving network efficiency and consolidating operations. Importantly, through disciplined cost control, we believe we can achieve the productivity savings outlined in this plan, and even more.”

The plan is a balance of revenue growth through pricing and volume, and resource optimization through a variety of expense reduction and cost control initiatives, including:

Compensation and Benefits. Service and efficiency improvements, consolidation, and network rationalization will enable Norfolk Southern to reduce headcount in 2016 and beyond, building on initiatives begun in 2015 to right-size the workforce. This improved productivity is expected to result in $420 million in annual expense savings by 2020. Norfolk Southern expects to:

Reduce headcount by 2,000 employees by 2020.

Decrease overtime by 50 percent from 2015 levels.

Reduce employee levels in areas affected by lower coal traffic and by the rightsizing of the Company’s coal infrastructure.

Consolidate operating regions from three to two.

Halt or reduce operations in several hump or secondary yards in 2016, reducing manpower needs and locomotive fleet requirements and consolidating traffic on fewer, larger trains.

Dispose of or downgrade 1,500 miles of secondary lines by 2020, including 1,000 miles in 2016, as traffic is rerouted onto higher-density lines and some parts of the system are more economically operated in collaboration with short-line rail carriers.

Purchased Services and Rents. Projected efficiency improvements and network rationalization should enable Norfolk Southern to realize annual savings of $70 million by 2020 by reducing the size of the car fleet and associated costs and reducing payments to third parties. Norfolk Southern expects to:

Reduce equipment rental and lease costs, along with maintenance expenses for that equipment.

Reduce the use of third-party switching terminals by leveraging the recently completed expansion of Moorman Yard in Bellevue, Ohio.

Reduce trackage and haulage payments.
Materials. Projected efficiency improvements should enable Norfolk Southern to reduce expenses by $80 million per year by 2020. Norfolk Southern expects to:

Decrease locomotive maintenance expenses by reducing active fleet size by 300 units in 2016 and another 100 units by 2020 through improved velocity, line, yard, and local-switching-network rationalizations.

Reduce overhaul and maintenance expenses and improve locomotive reliability by replacing older, less-reliable units.

Conserve capital while enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the locomotive fleet by continuing the company’s innovative 6-axle rebuild strategy, which includes DC to AC conversions.

Fuel. Projected fuel efficiency initiatives should allow Norfolk Southern to reduce fuel consumption by $80 million per year by 2020 through. Norfolk Southern expects to:

Maximize fuel efficiency through implementation of energy management technology.

Reduce fuel consumption as a result of fewer units in the fleet, removal of the oldest, least efficient units, and higher system velocity.
Fourth Quarter 2015 Earnings
Separately today, Norfolk Southern released its earnings results for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2015.The Company’s earnings release can be found under the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.nscorp.com.

Norfolk Southern will host a telephone conference call and a webcast today at 8:45 AM ET to discuss this announcement and its fourth quarter 2015 earnings results. You may participate in this call by dialing (877) 869-3847 FREE. The live webcast and accompanying presentation slides can be accessed through the Norfolk Southern website, www.nscorp.com.

About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

SAN FRANCISCO – General Motors and Lyft today announced a long-term strategic alliance to create an integrated network of on-demand autonomous vehicles in the U.S.

GM will invest $500 million in Lyft to help the company continue the rapid growth of its successful ridesharing service. In addition, GM will hold a seat on the company’s board of directors.

“We see the future of personal mobility as connected, seamless and autonomous,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “With GM and Lyft working together, we believe we can successfully implement this vision more rapidly.”

John Zimmer, president and co-founder of Lyft, said: “Working with GM, Lyft will continue to unlock new transportation experiences that bring positive change to our daily lives. Together we will build a better future by redefining traditional car ownership.”

Key elements of the GM and Lyft alliance include:

Autonomous On-Demand Network: The joint development of a network of on-demand autonomous vehicles will leverage GM’s deep knowledge of autonomous technology and Lyft’s capabilities in providing a broad choice of ride-sharing services.
Rental Hub: Beginning immediately, GM will become a preferred provider of short-term use vehicles to Lyft drivers through rental hubs in various cities in the U.S.

Connectivity: Lyft drivers and customers will have access to GM’s wide portfolio of cars and OnStar services, leveraging two decades of experience in connectivity. This will create a richer ride-sharing experience for both driver and passenger.
Joint Mobility Offerings: GM and Lyft will also provide each other’s customers with personalized mobility services and experiences through their respective channels.

About General Motors
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

About Lyft
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to reconnect people and communities through better transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S and is available in more than 190 cities. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to driving positive change for the future of our cities.

It sounds simple. When railroad crossing arms are down or the warning lights are flashing, drivers and pedestrians must wait for the passing train. But last year, Federal Railroad Administration statistics reveal 915 people nationwide were killed or injured trespassing on railroad property.

Union Pacific Railroad this week launched a new campaign exclusively on social media, urging drivers and pedestrians to think about their personal safety first and wait at grade crossings. New videos depict different scenarios in which a jogger, young couple and father and son are stopped, waiting for a train to pass. When the arms lift, each proceeds safely toward a spectacular future.

“Our message is straightforward — Your Life is Worth the Wait,” said Scott Moore, Union Pacific senior vice president — Corporate Relations. “Union Pacific trains operate in more than 7,300 communities; too often our employees see drivers or pedestrians sneak around the gates. Even after applying the emergency brakes, it can take a mile for a train to stop; the risk is never worth it.”

To watch campaign videos and share this important safety reminder, visit up.com.

This is Union Pacific’s second safety campaign launched exclusively on social media this year. The first, addressed high school photography on railroad tracks.

ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America’s most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2005-2014, Union Pacific invested more than $31 billion in its network and operations to support America’s transportation infrastructure. The railroad’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

DETROIT and LISLE, Ill., – General Motors Co. and Navistar have reached a long-term agreement to develop and assemble future medium-duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicles, allowing Navistar to strengthen its product lineup and GM to expand its Chevrolet commercial truck portfolio.

“Bringing medium-duty conventional cab trucks back into the portfolio strengthens Chevrolet’s commitment to providing commercial customers with more choices and one-stop shopping for a versatile lineup of trucks, vans and crossovers,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet and Commercial Sales.

The future products will be jointly developed using Navistar’s expertise in rolling chassis configurations and manufacturing capabilities, and GM’s commercial components and engines. The vehicles are slated for production in 2018 and will be manufactured at Navistar’s facility in Springfield, Ohio. Navistar plans to add 300 jobs and invest more than $12 million in facility upgrades and state-of-the-art equipment to produce the new vehicles.

“Our collaboration with GM is another example of our customer-centric, open integration approach—providing our customers with the best technologies available,” said Bill Kozek, president, Truck and Parts, Navistar. “By working with an industry-leading company like GM, we’ll be able to enhance our medium-duty product portfolio and leverage our scale and expertise in manufacturing medium-duty trucks.”

Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Additional product information will be announced later.

About Navistar
Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International® brand commercial and military trucks, proprietary diesel engines, and IC Bus™ brand school and commercial buses. An affiliate also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com.

About General Motors
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com

SOURCE Navistar International Corporation

NEW YORK – Running an errand to a big box store or planning a weekend excursion are about to get easier for some Manhattan residents because of a car-sharing program revealed today by General Motors. It’s the company’s latest move to deliver urban mobility options to customers around the globe.

Let’s Drive NYC is available to eligible residents of The Ritz Plaza, a 479-unit luxury apartment building at Times Square in midtown Manhattan, owned and managed by Stonehenge Partners.

Residents use a GM-developed mobile app to reserve a vehicle and access parking in one of 200 garages throughout Manhattan managed by Icon Parking Systems. The fleet currently includes eight Chevrolet Trax small SUVs and two Chevrolet Equinox compact SUVs, with more vehicles to be added later.

In consideration of periodic apartment lease payments, residents receive electronic credits valid for three hours of rental per month. After that, users pay less than $10 an hour or up to $75 for a 24-hour reservation.

“Having a car in the city didn’t seem realistic, but ‘Let’s Drive NYC’ changes that,” said Andy Chediak, a 32 year-old Stonehenge resident. “The quick-and-easy access to a car on demand at The Ritz Plaza is a game-changer that fundamentally alters my approach to transportation, with new opportunities that weren’t previously practical.”

Unlike other mobility service offerings, Let’s Drive NYC leverages integrated and existing OnStar connectivity technologies and services such as remote diagnostic status, and access to OnStar advisors with the push of a button.

“Customers want options on how to move from Point A to Point B that provide flexibility and personalization,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “Let’s Drive NYC is just one part of GM’s global urban mobility strategy. We view evolving consumer preferences, such as car-sharing, as real business opportunities, where we can quickly build on our existing capabilities such as OnStar connectivity to very effectively meet customer needs.”

GM offered the program earlier this summer to select Ritz Plaza residents who completed more than 100 trips and drove nearly 20,000 miles in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area. Based on the pilot program, GM, Stonehenge and Icon were quick to broaden the program.

“When GM approached us with their car-sharing program, we were excited to incorporate this innovative service to further enhance our residents’ lifestyle,” said Ofer Yardeni, chairman and CEO of Stonehenge. “Owning a vehicle in New York City is expensive and inconvenient. GM’s Let’s Drive NYC car-sharing program delivers a valuable and sought-after amenity, and residents of The Ritz Plaza are taking full advantage of it.”

Stonehenge is a leader in community-building events within the Manhattan residential market. It provides residents with complimentary programming ranging from comedy and trivia nights to concerts. Incorporating Let’s Drive NYC helps achieve Stonehenge’s goal of offering amenities that encourage interaction among residents.

GM’s urban mobility programs range from investments in Germany of ridesharing service flinc and Opel’s new car-sharing community CarUnity to testing Zagster bike sharing at its Technical Center in the U.S. and a partnership with Jiao Tong University in China to integrate Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 vehicles into a multi-modal transportation system. All are designed to better understand and address urban transportation issues for customers.

One of GM’s first mobility partnerships was with Google early last year, where it tested a commuter ride-sharing service using Chevrolet Spark EVs. Using an app, drivers and riders were matched based on trip patterns and schedules. The project demonstrated value and potential in creating transportation services around automotive, leading to other initiatives, like the Let’s Drive NYC program.

About Stonehenge Partners
Stonehenge Partners is a vertically integrated, private real estate company with expertise in investment management, property management, development, design, construction and leasing. Stonehenge owns and manages a Manhattan portfolio currently valued at $3.1 billion comprised of 25 income-producing properties with more than 3,000 residential apartment units. Stonehenge is recognized for its above-and-beyond customer service platform and five-star lifestyle programming. More information can be found at www.stonehengenyc.com.