Transportation Issues in the South

Orlando International Named Top Airport by J.D. Power

For the second consecutive year, J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Orlando International Airport as the No. 1 airport in North America in its Airport Passenger Satisfaction Study. The airport received the highest marks in overall passenger satisfaction within the large airport category, or those airports that handle 30 million or more passengers annually. J.D. Power evaluated 42 major North American airports over the summer. Orlando International received the highest marks for terminal facilities; gate areas; airline check-in; baggage claim; security check process; and food, beverage and retail services. The airport has also received recognition from Consumer Reports and a four-out-of-four stars from the Wall Street Journal. Over 12,000 evaulations from travelers were received by the California-based marketing information services firm.

Massive Jolt to Raleigh-Durham

With the demise of Midway Airlines, shortly after the September terrorist attacks, went nearly half of the flights out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Midway, based at RDU, flew 115 flights per day out of the airport. In addition, other carriers have dropped 15 other flights out of Raleigh-Durham International since the attacks. Given the dire condition of the air travel industry, few carriers are expected to fill the lost flights leaving business, especially those in Research Triangle Park, in a lurch. In a related story, initial plans for a $1 billion expansion of the airport have been put on hold.

Subterranean Freight Tunnel Contemplated In Texas

Officials at the Texas Transportation Institute are in the preliminary design phase of a 6.5-foot-wide, concrete reinforced tunnel that will be used by train-like vehicles running on electricity. The underground train conceivably would move freight at speeds of up to 55 mph. No drivers would be needed for the trains and fuel costs and weather would not be factors. The idea would help free up roadways of large trucks, officials said. Researchers with the Institute said studies over the next two years will determine if the freight tunnel is cost effective.

Charleston Port Considering Inland Facility

South Carolina state officials have agreed to spend $250,000 to study whether an inland expansion of the state's port in Charleston is feasible. Proposals to build additional terminals at Daniel Island in Charleston ran into intense opposition from residents over increased truck traffic and environmental concerns. State officials are studying moving ship containers by rail to a less populated inland location, most likely near where Interstates' 26 and 95 merge, to be loaded onto trucks for distribution.

More Railroad Traffic in Memphis

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads are teaming up to provide money-back guarantees on on-time shipping in an effort to compete with the trucking industry. Union Pacific, the nation's largest railroad, will handle shipments between Los Angeles and Memphis and Norfolk Southern will carry the loads between Memphis and Atlanta. The companies are calling it Blue Streak service, named for a 1930s cotton belt run between Memphis and Los Angeles. Traditionally, the railroads have competed against each other. The new partnership is an effort by the companies to reduce truck traffic on highways in addition to expanding high-end consumer merchandise shipping. The route from Memphis to Los Angeles is 2,400 miles by train. The only other place the two railroads could have connected would be in Kansas City. However, railroad officials said the on-time guarantees could not have been accomplished in Kansas City.

N.C. Railroad Scheduled for Improvements

The North Carolina Railroad Company has approved more than $3 million in funds to be used to upgrade the 317-mile rail corridor that runs from the port at Morehead City to Charlotte. Rail bridges will be replaced near the Research Triangle Park and near Kinston. The project will cut travel time and improve safety.

Maryland Port Administration Looking to Buy Land

The Maryland Port Administration is looking to buy some prime waterfront property near the Port of Baltimore. A portion of the Point Breeze Industrial Park is on the market and if purchased, would help the port accommodate its burgeoning roll-on/roll-off cargo business and remain competitive for other niches, such as forest products and paper. The possible expansion of the port comes on the heels of several lucrative deals. Over the past year, the port has signed numerous long-term contracts that will increase its business in automobiles, paper and forest products.