Rhodes, Dr. Robert G., Assistant Director, Bureau of Economics, Interstate Commerce Commission__. St. Onge, Hon. William L., a Representative in Congress from the Saunders, Stuart T., chairman of the board, the Pennsylvania Rail- Seifert, William W., assistant dean of engineering, Massachusetts Sickles, Hon. Carlton R., a Representative in Congress from the State Walsh, Marvin E., vice president and general manager, Safeway Webb, Hon. Charles A., Chairman, Interstate Commerce Commission_ Additional material submitted for the record by- Aerospace Industries Association, statement.. AFL-CIO, letter from Andrew J. Biemiller, director, department of 139 32 111 191 188 189 187 Air Transport Association, letter from S. G. Tipton, president_ Letter from John M. Elliott, international president__ American Machine & Foundry Co., letter from Carter Burgess, chair- man_ Commerce & Industry Association of New York, Inc., letter from Gar- rard W. Glenn, chairman, commuter transportation committee____ Delegation of authority, duties, and responsibilities of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Transportation, order of May 11, 1965, from Federal Register of May 25, 1965----- Ground transportation study, explanatory statement on, con- 46 Letter from Alan S. Boyd, Under Secretary for Transportation__ 184 101 Letter from Clarence D. Martin, Under Secretary for Transpor- 95 Connecticut Development Commission, statement. Letter from Hon. Oren Harris, Chairman, to Hon. Robert C. Weaver, Administrator, Housing and Home Finance Agency.. Letter from Hon. Harley O. Staggers, chairman, Subcommittee on Transportation and Aeronautics, to Dr. Raymond T. Bow- man, Assistant Director for Statistical Standards, Bureau of National Planning Association, statement by Sumner Myers... New England Council for Economic Research & Development, letter Statement by Donald S. Beattie, executive secretary-treasurer - 182 181 COMMERCE DEPARTMENT TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1965 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND AERONAUTICS OF THE COMMITTEE ON INTERSTATE AND FOREIGN COMMERCE, Washington, D.C. The subcommittee met at 10 a.m., pursuant to call, in room 2123, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Harley O. Staggers (chairman of the subcommittee) presiding. Mr. STAGGERS. The subcommittee will come to order. The Subcommittee on Transportation and Aeronautics this morning is opening hearings on H.R. 5863 and identical bills having to do with the authorization of transportation research and development by the Department of Commerce into methods of improving the national transportation system. The identical bills are H.R. 5944, introduced by Mr. Patten, of New Jersey; H.R. 6088, introduced by Mr. Monagan, of Connecticut; H.R. 8155, introduced by Mr. Giaimo, of Connecticut; and H.R. 8316, introduced by Mr. Helstoski, of New Jersey. The legislation was prepared by the Secretary of Commerce to carry out the intent of the Presidential message of March 4, that strides be taken in the field of rail transportation similar to those in the fields of air and highway transportation, with particular attention to the densely populated northeast "corridor" between here and Boston. The language of the bill is extremely broad, and I am sure that we shall look forward with interest to the discussion of the actual program envisaged by the Secretary of Commerce to accomplish the Presidential purpose and to be authorized by this proposed legislation. This morning we are hearing from Members of Congress who are interested in the legislation, and next Tuesday we shall hear from the Secretary of Commerce and his associates concerning the sponsorship of the program, and next Wednesday we shall hear from the Interstate Commerce Commission and others who are interested in this subject. At this time we will have inserted into the record the Presidential message, a copy of H.R. 5863, and also the reports of the different agencies involved in this. (The documents referred to follow :) 1 [H. Doc. No. 101, 89th Cong., 1st sess.] PROPOSED LEGISLATION FOR HIGH-SPEED GROUND TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Communication from the President of the United States transmitting a draft of proposed legislation entitled, "A bill to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to undertake research and development in high-speed ground transportation, and for other purposes" Hon. JOHN W. MCCORMACK, Speaker of the House of Representatives, THE WHITE HOUSE, Washington, March 4, 1965. DEAR MR. SPEAKER: I am pleased to transmit to Congress proposed legislation for high-speed ground transportation research and development. This legislation will help us to bring scientific and technical talent to bear on an increasingly important area of transportation not previously subject to intensive, continuing inquiry. The life of every citizen is influenced by transportation service. This vast economic activity not only absorbs one out of every five GNP dollars; it shapes the environment in which we live and work. Advances in our transportation system must constantly be made if we are to continue to enjoy growth and prosperity-and if America is to be a livable Nation. The last three decades have produced great technological achievements in air and highway transportation. Commercial planes today fly three times as fast as they did in the 1930's. Automobiles speed along modern highways at greatly reduced traveltime. The progress of our rail transportation system, unfortunately, has not matched these strides. I believe the power of science and technology, demonstrated so well in the evolution of air and highway travel, can be utilized in the solution of other transportation problems, especially rail transportation. Striking advances in intercity ground transportation-advances in speed, reliability, comfort, and convenience-are needed and possible. In the last 50 years, intercity freight tonnage has risen 4 times, and passenger travel has increased 25-fold. In 1960, Americans traveled over 600 billion passenger-miles, exclusive of local movement. That figure will more than double by 1980. We face an imminent need for improved intercity transportation in the densely populated area along the east coast-between Washington and Boston-where travel is expected to increase by 150 to 200 percent between 1960 and 1980. Freight shipments during the same period may nearly double. Other such "corridors" can be identified throughout the Nation. Advances in the transportation of goods and people safely, reliably, and economically in one densely populated area will be directly applicable to other regions. It is clear that we should explore the feasibility of an improved ground transportation system for such heavily traveled corridors. The program outlined by the Secretary of Commerce calls for research on materials, aerodynamics, vehicle power and control, and guideways. Information requirements for regional studies and evaluations are to be defined and the necessary data collected. We must learn about travel needs and preferences, in part through the use of large-scale demonstration projects. New methods of analyzing the problem will be developed to give adequate consideration to the large number of regional and local characteristics which influence the performance, acceptability, and cost of all kinds of systems. The task is large and complex. Evolutionary improvement in the existing railroad system must be compared to much more radical and longer term developments. Systems proposed must be compatible with urban transportation plans. The research and development activity will require the services of many outstanding scientists, engineers, administrators, and business executives. But I know that we will find the skills in industry, in the universities, and in government-both national and local-to do the job. The consequences of beginning now will be vital, for experience has demonstrated to us that dollars spent in sound research and development produce benefits many times over. Sincerely, LYNDON B. JOHNSON. A BILL To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to undertake research and development in high-speed ground transportation and for other purposes Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to undertake research and development in high-speed ground transportation for the purpose of improving the national transportation system. In exercising this authority, the Secretary may lease, purchase, develop, test, and demonstrate new facilities, equipment, techniques and methods, and conduct such other activities as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act. SEC. 2. The Secretary is authorized to collect transportation data, statistics, and other information which he determines will contribute to the improvement of the national transportation system. SEC. 3. In carrying out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to enter into agreements and to contract with public or private agencies, institutions, organizations, and individuals, without regard to sections 3648 and 3709 of the Revised Statutes (31 U.S.C. 529; 41 U.S.C. 5). The Secretary is further authorized to appoint, subject to the civil service laws and regulations, such personnel as may be necessary to enable him to carry out his functions and responsibilities under this Act. The Secretary is further authorized to procure services as authorized by section 15 of the Act of August 2, 1946 (5 U.S.C. 55a), but at rates for individuals not to exceed $100 per diem, unless otherwise specified in an appropriation act. SEC. 4. In carrying out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary shall consult and cooperate with the Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency and such other departments and agencies as he deems appropriate. SEC. 5. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Such appropriations when so specified in appropriation acts shall remain available until expended. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE TO UNDERTAKE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN HIGH-SPEED GROUND TRANSPORTATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES The purpose of the proposed legislation is to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to carry out activities relating to the development of high-speed ground transportation, thereby contributing to the improvement of the national transportation system. Efficient surface transportation has always been a vital force in promoting the economic growth of our Nation. The President has emphasized that we must improve ways of transporting people and goods safely, reliably, and economically over relatively short distances in densely populated areas. The northeast corridor and other densely populated areas face critical intercity transportation problems which require the application of advanced technology to ground transportation systems. The proposed legislation would authorize research and development activities which could be expected to result in the development of more efficient and economical intercity transportation systems. It should be emphasized that the proposed legislation is not limited to a consideration of the transportation needs of the northeast corridor, nor should it be regarded as being for the sole benefit of one particular region of the Nation. On the contrary, the activities to be conducted would be beneficial for the Nation as a whole, and would assist during the coming years in the solution of the transportation problems of densely populated regions in the Nation. The proposed legislation is not designed to benefit or to concentrate solely on one particular type of transportation. Wholly new kinds of vehicles, guideways and operational and control systems may evolve from concentrated technological research in high-speed ground transportation. Such results can be foreseen within the scope of present and foreseeable technology. A new high-speed ground transportation system would differ radically from passenger trains and railways as we know them today. The research and development activity which would be carried out under the proposed legislation would be accomplished in cooperation with all relevant elements of our present transportation system, whether privately or publicly owned and operated. Initial demonstration projects utilizing present railroad technology would be conducted with Federal participation. Such projects would involve relatively low-cost improvements in present rail service, for the purpose of measuring market response to higher rail speeds, variation in fares, greater travel comfort and convenience, and more frequent service. In order to determine the demand for transportation and to evaluate the relative economic efficiency of different systems, section 2 of the proposed legislation would authorize the collection of transportation data and statistics. This data is essential in arriving at sound policy decisions in the future regarding high-speed ground transportation as well as other decisions on the improvement of the national transportation system. Present statistical programs do not fully meet these needs. For example, origin and destination data on travel and more complete and accurate information on travel patterns during periods of peak use are needed. Also needed are standard statistical definitions and location codes. It is anticipated that work performed during the next 3 years will be sufficient to permit decisions to be made concerning future activities in high-speed ground transportation. Clearly there will continue to be need for carrying on funda. mental research and development in ground transportation systems as well as to continue collection of adequate transportation statistics. There may also be a basis for pioneering development of new ground transportation systems in the northeast corridor and in other areas of the Nation. [H.R. 5863, 89th Cong., 1st sess.] A BILL To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to undertake research and development in high-speed ground transportation, and for other purposes Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to undertake research and development in high-speed ground transportation for the purpose of improving the national transportation system. In exercising this authority, the Secretary may lease, purchase, develop, test, and demonstrate new facilities, equipment, techniques, and methods, and conduct such other activities as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act. SEC. 2. The Secretary is authorized to collect transportation data, statistics, and other information which he determines will contribute to the improvement of the national transportation system. SEC. 3. In carrying out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to enter into agreements and to contract with public or private agencies, institutions, organizations, and individuals, without regard to sections 3648 and 3709 of the Revised Statutes (31 U.S.C. 529; 41 U.S.C. 5). The Secretary is further authorized to appoint, subject to the civil service laws and regulations, such personnel as may be necessary to enable him to carry out his functions and responsibilities under this Act. The Secretary is further authorized to procure services as authorized by section 15 of the Act of August 2, 1946 (5 U.S.Č. 55a), but at rates for individuals not to exceed $100 per diem, unless otherwise specified in an appropriation Act. SEC. 4. In carrying out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary shall consult and cooperate with the Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency and such other departments and agencies as he deems appropriate. SEC. 5. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Such appropriations when so specified in appropriation Acts shall remain available until expended. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, BUREAU OF THE BUDGET, Washington, D.C., May 18, 1965. Hon. OREN HARRIS, Chairman, Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: This is in reply to your request for our views on H.R. 5863, a bill to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to undertake research |