Federal Policy
Basics
I’m fairly optimistic about the future of public transportation – if we take action now
As Mark Twain might have said, reports of the death of transit have been greatly exaggerated, but we do need to take decisive action to make buses and trains a more reliable and appealing option.
November 3, 2021
What’s In (And What’s Out Of) the New Reconciliation Bill For Sustainable Transport
Most programs favored by sustainable transportation advocates have survived negotiations over the massive social infrastructure package that's held up the country's transportation ambitions for months — though a few of them have gotten a little skinnier.
November 2, 2021
Congressmen Garcia, Schneider introduce rail grade separation funding bill
The reps noted that in addition to preventing crashes, separating rail crossings can also improve passenger and freight rail service by allowing for higher speeds and more frequent service.
October 30, 2021
Talking Headways Podcast: How Partisanship Influences Transportation Reform
This week we're joined by Kelcie Ralph, Nick Klein, and Calvin Thigpen, who talk about their recent paper "Political Partisanship and Transportation Reform." We chat about why they wrote the paper, what they found out about partisanship and transportation policy, and why actors across the political spectrum have little understanding of induced demand.
October 21, 2021
Kerry Warns Budget Bill Delay Will Hold Global Climate Goals Hostage
Centrist bickering over the size of the Democrats' budget reconciliation will have dire consequences for key international climate goals, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry warns — and sustainable transportation priorities will be dealt a particularly hard blow.
October 18, 2021
Op-Ed: What is the Federal Bike Commuter Benefit?
What is the federal bike commuter benefit, and how could it be better? Here's everything you need to know.
October 6, 2021
Op-Ed: Everything Advocates Need to Know About the Federal E-Bike Credit
What is the proposed federal e-bike credit, and how could it be better? Here's everything you need to know.
October 5, 2021
Study: What’s Behind Partisan Splits Over Transport Reform?
The majority of Americans support transportation reform that would reduce our national dependence on automobiles — but better messaging may be needed to persuade the rest, a new study suggests.
October 4, 2021
Congressional Maneuvering Delays Infrastructure Bill
Congress was forced to delay a vote on a bill that would have reauthorized the nation's major transportation programs last night, missing a critical midnight deadline and throwing the future of sustainable transport advocates' priorities into doubt.
October 1, 2021
Transit Funds Could Crack Under Pressure of the Budget Deadline
A brief update on the status of the infrastructure talks in Washington.
September 28, 2021
