Transportation Policy

Transportation is one of the largest infrastructures in society, and it must be safe, convenient, and adequately maintained. The U.S. transportation infrastructure is extensive and on the verge of collapse. It needs to be redirected via a sound and sustainable transportation policy based on a more compact, stable and economic model.

The road system is overbuilt and in disrepair. It requires an incredible amount of money to upkeep and expand, and that is the root of the problem. Roads must be repaved and bridges need repair, but they make no money directly. Taxes must be exercised to continue their upkeep, but this is only the first stem. The roads need to be constantly widened and new ones added to keep up with traffic demands, because the roads are not properly used. This costs more money and requires the use of tax revenues.

The chief problem in the transportation infrastructure is the automobile as the dominant mode of transportation. It requires large amounts of space in both movement and when parked. The automobile industry could not subsist without subsidies for roads and bridges. The automobile also increases its need of space as more cars are added to the road. A bus or train can carry as many as 10 -20 times more people in the same space as the same amount of space of cars. In other words, one bus typically carries as many as 20-40 people, but the typical car only carries 1 or 2 people. The parking lots of automobiles are largely eliminated through the use of public transportation.

Both trains and buses can move people around with less energy. Maglev trains can move rapidly above stalled cars on a clogged highway. Trains and buses can also generate revenues and if properly laid out and planned, they can make a profit. Thus, a sound transportation policy can create an asset rather than a liability.