Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Podcast

Talking Headways Podcast: Those Roads Won’t Pay for Themselves

podcast icon logo

This week we’re joined by Kevin DeGood of the Center for American Progress, who along with Andrew Schwartz recently wrote a report called Advancing a Multimodal Transportation System by Eliminating Funding Restrictions. Sound too wonky? I call it the "Roads Don’t Pay for Themselves Report."

When approximately 5.5 percent of roads carry 55 percent of the traffic, you would expect them to support themselves. But even with conservative accounting, this report shows that’s just not true, especially in urban areas with larger maintenance costs.

We also get into the concept of "user fees," national transportation politics, and the prospect of "devolving" transportation funding to the states, which is a hot topic these days.

Take a listen to this week’s pod and please think multi-modally! And if you enjoy the show, give us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, where you can subscribe to get each week’s episode automatically.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Everything You Need To Know About Zohran Mamdani — From the Pages of Streetsblog

Our New York team offers you the transportation policy highlights of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's improbable 2025 run for City Hall.

December 31, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Want to Age in Place

American cities aren't particularly friendly to seniors who can no longer drive, fueling isolation and loneliness.

December 31, 2025

Some Stories That Shaped L.A. in 2025

And from the Left Coast, let's get a year-in-review, California-style.

December 30, 2025

Year in Review: What Gave Us Hope in a Dark 2025

Yes, this year was tough. Yes: we're still ending it with hope for the future.

December 30, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Pay Your Own Way

The Trump administration pulled $4 billion in grants for high-speed rail, and now California doesn't want it back.

December 30, 2025
See all posts