- Maryland Joins Objections To Damages Cap In Key Bridge Collapse Case
- Scammers Posing As 407 ETR Operator Start Sending Fraudulent Texts
- New Jersey DOT Tries Emotional Appeal To Change Safety Campaign Appeals To Emotion
- Latest AASHTO Salary Survey Is Now Available
- These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.
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Maryland Joins Objections To Damages Cap In Key Bridge Collapse Case
The Washington Post reports, today, Maryland “joined a chorus of victims’ families, businesses and others who say they were harmed in Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse to ask a federal judge not to cap the liability of the ship’s owner and operator, arguing that those responsible should fully pay for the disaster’s catastrophic damage.” Grace Ocean Private LTD and Synergy Marine Pte LTD, respectively the owner and operator of MV Dali, the ship that collided with the bridge in March, have requested in a federal civil case that their liability be capped at $43.6 million. (The basis of their plea is a federal statute, the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851.)
The state’s filing of an objection to the cap was announced at a press conference by Governor Wes Moore (D) and Attorney General Anthony G. Brown (D). Maryland, like other injured parties, alleges that Grace and Synergy “prioritized profits over safety by cutting corners and using ‘Band-Aid’ solutions for known safety issues” that made the vessel unseaworthy at the time of the collision. (TRN inserted a link in quoted text.)
TRN notes, members of Congress have introduced legislation to raise the liability limit for foreign-flagged vessels that cause damage when sailing in American waters.
Economic & Social Considerations Affecting Transportation Francis Scott Key Toll Bridge Collapse and Replacement Issues of Law Maryland Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) US Department of JusticeScammers Posing As 407 ETR Operator Start Sending Fraudulent Texts
Insauga reports, the smishing scam has hit Ontario. Fraudsters posing as the 407 ETR operator are sending text messages similar to the ones circulating in the US that induce victims to make an illusory toll payment and reveal personal financial information. “A similar ‘pay through text’ scam circulated in January 2024, prompting Highway 407 ETR to clarify that legitimate payment reminders include a secure webpage link. This latest scam, however, appears more convincing. It closely mimics official reminders that may [deceive] some into believing it’s legitimate.”
407 ETR said customers unsure about the authenticity of a text message should avoid clicking the embedded link and visit https://407etr.com/en/contact-us to obtain verification.
407 ETR Concession Canada Crime Beat ETC Systems OntarioNew Jersey DOT Tries Emotional Appeal To Change Safety Campaign Appeals To Emotion
Yesterday, New Jersey DOT announced the launch of a statewide Roadway Safety Public Awareness Program, “a comprehensive effort aimed at addressing dangerous driving behaviors and promoting safety as a way of life.” The program will deliver billboard, broadcast and online messaging through the end of this year.
NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor commented, “People know they shouldn’t text and drive, speed through work zones, or get behind the wheel while intoxicated — but too often, they do it anyway. That’s why this program is less about educating and more about creating an emotional connection that encourages real behavior change.” The announcement describes the themes (dubbed “What If” and “Respect”) that will frame the department’s messaging.
Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Safety (Includes COVID-19 Impacts) New Jersey New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Public Outreach And CommunicationLatest AASHTO Salary Survey Is Now Available
AASHTO Journal reports that the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has released a new issue of its annual transportation industry salary survey, which is based on 2023 data, the most recent available. The document is available to download for free. The survey covers 89 matched job titles, divided into five broad job categories. Each title includes a description, number of incumbents, salary range, benefits, and actual salary, AASHTO stated.
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Transportation and Infrastructure Research & Development Transportation And Infrastructure Workforce IssuesThese are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.
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