Brookings: Topics - Transportation

Cities, Bicycles, and the Future of Getting Around

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 08, 2009, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

On December 8, Brookings and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) will bring together civic and business leaders, policymakers, and administration officials for a conversation about practical and imaginative ways to promote alternative forms of transportation. The event will launch Cities for Cycling, a NACTO project to break down barriers to bicycle-friendly street design in municipalities around the United States.

Metropolitan Planning for Sustainable Growth

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 13, 2009, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On October 13, the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program hosted a panel discussion around how to best prepare and support metropolitan regions in the development of integrated blueprint plans for sustainable growth.

An Analysis of Air Travel Trends in the Great Lakes Region

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The economic recession and contraction in the auto and manufacturing industries have had a significant impact on air travel trends in the Great Lakes region’s metropolitan areas, according to Robert Puentes, Adie Tomer and John Austin. The fall-off in air travel in the last ten years has been precipitous in the region, but a return to economic growth will challenge the most connected metropolitan areas.

Expect Delays: An Analysis of Air Travel Trends in the United States

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Puentes and Adie Tomer assess metropolitan air travel trends over the past two decades. They find that most travel is consolidated within a select group of 26 metropolitan areas, which contribute to the country’s highest volume corridors and produce the worst on-time performance. Their findings reveal serious implications for the country’s aviation infrastructure as passenger volumes are predicted to grow in the coming years.

Air Travel Congestion in the United States

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:16:15 GMT

While air travel has made the globe and the nation more accessible, simply flying from one state to the next is often fraught with delayed flights, runway congestion and a host of other problems. Robert Puentes, an author of a new report on air travel trends, says that their report findings can help policymakers address critical issues affecting the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

The Other Highway Funding Crisis

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Puentes and Adie Tomer argue that the largest federal highway program—Equity Bonus—should be apportioned to states based on proportionate contributions to the nation's general fund rather than the highway trust fund since more and more transportation dollars are coming from those general sources.

Promises and Pitfalls in Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On July 14th, Robert Puentes addressed Senate and House staff on the Hill on the use of public private partnerships (PPPs) for surface transportation financing. In his remarks, Robert stressed that PPPs are only one of several means of addressing funding shortfalls, and reflected on the need for federal direction, describing the growing number of institutions abroad designed to fulfill functions including quality control, policy formulation, coordination, and promotion of PPPs.

Road-use Pricing: How Would You Like to Spend Less Time in Traffic?

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In new analysis from the Greater Washington Research at Brookings, Alice Rivlin and Benjamin Orr review traffic congestion and transportation financing in the Washington, D.C. region and nationwide; suggesting that the national capital region should serve as an example of what sustainable transportation policy looks like.

Roundtable Discussion: Road-use Pricing

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 25, 2009, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Severe congestion and underfunded public transportation systems in the Washington, D.C. region and nationwide call for a more sustainable way of pricing transportation. To help inform the policy debate on transportation financing and traffic management, Greater Washington Research at Brookings hosted a roundtable bringing together experts from the policy, planning, advocacy, and development community.

Congress Plans a Transportation Overhaul

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Federal gas taxes are drying up and the nation’s highway bill is set to expire this fall. In that context, Robert Puentes analyzes the House proposal to revamp U.S. transportation policy and the administration’s call for an 18 month delay to ensure “better investment decisions."

Joining Up Transportation, Housing, and Environmental Policy

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Puentes argues that a new federal interagency partnership, debuted before the Senate this week, could provide the federal leadership necessary for a unified vision of transportation, housing, and environmental policy designed to tackle our interrelated economic, energy, and climate challenges.

President Obama's Plan to Increase Fuel Efficiency Standards

Wed, 20 May 2009 14:40:26 GMT

In proposing higher fuel efficiency standards for new cars, President Obama has intervened in the private sector. Cliff Winston explains how consumer demand alone for fuel efficient cars was clearly not strong enough to drive the market in that direction. But, he warns of such unintended consequences as cars being less safe and driven more.

Budget 2010: Signaling Changes in Federal Transportation Policy

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Puentes discusses how President Obama’s FY 2010 budget holds the baseline on transportation infrastructure spending with slight increases at the modal agencies at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Road-use Fees Could Solve Our Transit Woes

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Alice Rivlin and Benjamin Orr urge the Washington region to implement an innovative road-use pricing program of charging by vehicle type, miles traveled, and traffic conditions. This will, in turn, lead the nation toward less congestion and a more sustainable method of financing transportation infrastructure.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is Not Alone in its Financial Struggles

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Transit agencies across the United States are facing service cutbacks and fare increases in order to close their budget gaps. The largest, New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), is no exception. Robert Puentes and Emilia Istrate offer recommendations for closing the MTA’s budget gap.

Transportation and Climate Change: The Perfect Storm

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

According to Robert Puentes, transportation is an area that is crucial to both economic growth and environmental sustainability. The link between transportation and climate change is making it imperative that we find new ways to think about transportation policy, especially in our nation's metropolitan areas.

Making Transportation Sustainable: Insights from Germany

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To help improve the energy efficiency and overall environmental sustainability of the U.S. transportation system, we will need to adopt policies that foster changes in the way Americans travel. In a new report Brookings researchers find that Germany may offer valuable lessons. Like the United States, Germany is a federal republic but it has taken impressive steps to improve transportation options, link transportation planning to land use, and advance other reforms – all while empowering metropolitan action.

Metro Potential in ARRA: An Early Assessment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

America’s national economic crisis is also a metropolitan crisis, because metropolitan areas are the true engines of the national economy. So it matters intensely how well the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) empowers metropolitan leaders to boost prosperity. This paper finds that although ARRA is limited in its support for creative metropolitan-area implementation, it delivers critical investments in what matters to metros and holds out significant opportunity for metropolitan empowerment and problem-solving.

Creating Livable Communities: Housing and Transit Policy in the 21st Century

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Before a special session of the Senate Banking Committee, Robert Puentes discussed the coordination of transportation and housing policy and its role in developing livable communities. Among others things, he stressed the need for the federal government to assist states and metropolitan areas in one of their hardest tasks: transcending the stovepiping of disparate programs that remains a serious cause of undesirable development outcomes.

Supporting Integrated Planning and Decision Making by Joining Up Housing and Transportation

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Testifying before a House Appropriations subcommittee, Robert Puentes examined the linkages between housing and transportation, calling for increased awareness of these connections and a federal policy that simultaneously promotes the economic vitality and environmental quality of metropolitan areas.

Sacramento's Transit-Oriented Development Plan a Model for the Nation

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Chris Leinberger argues that Sacramento, the capital of one of the most hard-pressed states in the country, is an evolving model of development for metropolitan America.

In Dire Straits: The Urgent Need to Improve Economic Statistics

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Current, accurate economic statistics are crucial to monitoring the fragile condition of the U.S. economy and guiding it out of recession. However, Andrew Reamer indicates, the nation’s statistical system has been deteriorating before our eyes. He outlines steps the White House should take to repair the system.

New Budget Marks Shift in Transportation Policy

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Puentes discusses how President Obama’s FY 2010 budget marks a shift in transportation policy, especially in mass transit. One proposal to create and fund a National Infrastructure would provide financial assistance to qualified and innovative infrastructure projects—from road and rails to ports and pipes—that matter to the nation as a whole or to a group of multiple states.

Untangling Transportation Funding

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the recent kerfuffle between Transportation Secretary LaHood and the White House spokesperson demonstrate, debate over transportation policy and funding is heating up fast. Robert Puentes and Adie Tomer suggest that, while that flap was about taxing miles traveled instead of, or in addition to, gasoline consumed, the comments provide a window into the long simmering quandary over how we move the nation.

The Long and Winding Road: Automotive Fuel Economy and American Politics

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The United States has been largely unsuccessful in reducing its petroleum consumption by regulating the fuel economy of motor vehicles. Pietro Nivola proposes a move towards a comprehensive carbon tax, which could reduce gasoline consumption more effectively and curtail carbon emissions from other, more damaging sources.

Strengthening Our Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After years of benign neglect, the nation’s crumbling infrastructure is getting its public hearing. Bruce Katz delivered a major speech during a special session of the National Governors Association Winter Meeting dedicated to infrastructure financing, accountability and sustainability. He urged the critical importance of policy reform in shifting the infrastructure conversation from one focused on spending, to one focused on investing.

Strengthening American Competitiveness: Regaining Our Competitive Edge

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As U.S. policy-makers focus on how to strengthen the U.S. economy in the midst of the financial crisis, Brookings competitiveness experts stress the need for a longer-term view with policy priorities focused on how to rebuild American competitiveness through investments in people, infrastructure, ideas and green transformation.

Plug-In Electric Vehicles : What Role for Washington?

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This important book examines the role that the U.S. government can and should play in promoting the widespread use of plug-in electric vehicles.

How Energy Efficiency Can Ensure the Green Recovery Will Leave No One Behind

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Energy efficiency and conservation should be the cornerstone of President Obama’s economic stimulus program and energy efficiency plan, writes Charles Ebinger. He argues that the Obama administration should pursue measures that insure the middle class and those making $50,000 or less benefit from these types of programs.

The Scouting Report: Invest in Infrastructure for Long-Term Prosperity

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 07, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

To secure long-term prosperity, the United States should build on the assets of its metropolitan areas. Federal policy reforms to enhance innovation, human capital, infrastructure and quality places will ultimately help our economy to grow in more productive, inclusive and sustainable ways. On January 7, Robert Puentes answered questions in a web chat with Politico's Fred Barbash about the challenges and opportunities President-elect Barack Obama faces.

"Stimulus" Doesn't Have to Mean Pork

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In order for Barack Obama to truly stimulate the nation’s economy through infrastructure spending, Clifford Winston argues that he needs to wring wasteful spending not just out of pork projects, but out of all of his transportation expenditures. Unlike the bailout of the financial system, sound economic guidelines exist to enable investments to generate large social returns.

The Nation's Driving Footprint

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:50:23 GMT

Metropolitan Policy Program Fellow Robert Puentes explains the historic trends that have reduced the nation’s “driving footprint” and urges a new vision that reflects the realities of Americans staying out of their cars.

The Road…Less Traveled: An Analysis of Vehicle Miles Traveled Trends in the U.S.

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Nevada, Idaho and Colorado lead the way in ending car dependence, according to a first-ever ranking, as do the metro areas around Austin, Indianapolis and Atlanta. A new Brookings report by Robert Puentes and Adie Tomer shows that other modes of transit grow in popularity, even as gas prices drop, suggesting a need for dramatic shifts in the way we fund transportation, build our communities and address greenhouse gas emissions.

Leveraging Infrastructure Investment Now and for the Future

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today’s fiscally-constrained environment demands a new approach to infrastructure policy both for short-term stimulus and long-term prosperity. In this backgrounder, Robert Puentes outlines a strategic infrastructure investment path to upgrade our existing system, expand choices in moving people and goods and move us closer to energy independence.

Toward a Comprehensive Assessment of Road Pricing Accounting for Land Use

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Highway congestion increases motorists’ travel times and contributes to urban sprawl by raising the price of homes that are close to employment centers. Clifford Winston and Ashley Langer analyze the costs and benefits of congestion pricing accounting for its effects on highway travel conditions and on land use.

Is Big Labor Killing the Big Three Automakers?

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. automakers say the high cost of labor here gives overseas companies an unfair advantage. How much of a problem is Big Labor for Detroit? How much of an advantage—if at all—do Honda, Toyota and others have over U.S. companies? Gary Burtless tackles these and other questions surrounding the big three bailout in an online debate.

Big Three Automakers Ask for Money - Again

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In an online debate, Gary Burtless argues that federal loan guarantees to an industry in trouble are nothing new. Chrysler in the 1979 and the airlines after 9/11 received government loans and it helped them get back on their feet. He also questions whether Congress can judge the plans the Big 3 have presented to them, and believes a competent executive board should be created to negotiate the terms.

America Without its Automakers

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What's so bad about letting Ford, Chrysler and GM slip into bankruptcy? Gary Burtless and Daniel J. Ikenson of the Cato Institute debated bailing out the Big Three.

Detroit Needs a Selloff, Not a Bailout

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Crandall and Clifford Winston discuss a proposal for automakers they think will cost taxpayers less and, in the long run, be more beneficial to labor and the overall economy than either a straight bailout or bankruptcy.

Getting Infrastructure Bang for the Buck

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this opinion piece published in the New Republic, Robert Puentes argues that President-elect Obama has a tremendous opportunity to connect infrastructure spending to broad national goals (such as economic competitiveness and environmental sustaianability). In this way the federal stimulus dollars can accelerate the right kind of projects in the right places, creating jobs and waking up related areas of the economy.

Assessing America’s Infrastructure Challenges

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this presentation Robert Puentes provides a deeper understanding of the range of demographic and market forces which effect American infrastructure and investment opportunities and possibilities therein.

Options for Metropolitan Transit Funding

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this testimony, Robert Puentes argues that congestion pricing holds the most promise for securing the financial future of New York City and its transit agency over the next several years. A recent proposal to charge drivers that enter a "congestion zone" in Manhattan was slated to raise more than a half million dollars annually for transit. The current funding challenges are bolstering the case for revisiting that proposal.

Demographic Trends Affecting Transportation in the U.S.

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this presentation Robert Puentes provides a deeper understanding of trends that are impacting metropolitan America and how those trends may impact the transportation demand and service in the coming decades. The presentation stresses several key points including dramatic changes in household formation, the increasing diversity reflected in both cities and suburban areas, and the key spatial effects on the American landscape.

Public Transit's Role in Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In Senate testimony, Robert Puentes argues that America's transportation system is "no longer aligned with the way we live or work, nor with the major economic, energy and environmental challenges facing the country." He outlines how federal policies for public transit can reduce dependence on foreign oil, encourage energy sustainability and promote economic efficiency.

Candidate Issue Index: Transportation

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Puentes presents the presidential candidates' positions on transportation issues, including federal transportation financing, telecommuting and public transit. This chart is part of a series of issue indices to be published during the 2008 presidential election cycle.

Minneapolis: Our Bridge is Fixed; The Problem is Not

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The replacement for the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis that collapsed one year ago is nearing completion. But, argue Bruce Katz and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, the calls for reinvestment in transportation infrastructure have not been heeded. As outlined by the Metropolitan Policy Program, the federal government needs to systematically identify, map and prioritize the nation-shaping projects that require federal investment, breaking radically from our current practices. It shouldn’t take another bridge collapse to teach us.

The Summit for American Prosperity Presentations

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:16:50 GMT

The Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution recently launched an ambitious, multi-year initiative to promote the health and vitality of America's urban clusters. In these presentations, Bruce Katz and Rob Puentes present policy ideas for improving the federal partnership with states and cities.

Insurance Pricing Can Cut Gas Use

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There is little lawmakers can do in the short run to reduce prices at the pump, argue Jason Bordoff and Pascal Noel. What if there were a way to lower the cost of driving while still encouraging people to drive less and use less oil? The authors examine how pay-as-you-drive auto insurance supports this goal.

Pay-As-You-Drive Auto Insurance: A Simple Way to Reduce Driving-Related Harms and Increase Equity

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The current lump-sum pricing of auto insurance is inefficient and inequitable. In a discussion paper for The Hamilton Project Jason E. Bordoff and Pascal J. Noel propose Pay-As-You-Drive auto insurance as a more effecient means of pricing for the auto insurance industry.

Air Support: Creating a Safer and More Reliable Air Traffic Control System

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our nation’s air traffic control system, run by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has not kept up with the explosive growth in air travel. In as discussion paper for the Hamilton Project, Dorothy Robyn proposes to measures to increase air traffic effeciency and safety.

Investing in America’s Infrastructure

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:45:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 25, 2008, 8:45 AM to 12:30 PM

The state of the nation’s infrastructure is generating rising public attention, prompted by daily travel frustrations, high-profile catastrophes, urgent calls to address climate change and energy security, and concerns about productivity and economic growth. The Hamilton Project released six new policy papers and hosted a public forum on the need for a national strategy that promotes infrastructure as a central component of long-term, broadly shared growth.

An Economic Strategy for Investing in America's Infrastructure

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Infrastructure investment has received more attention in recent years because of increased delays from road and air congestion, high-profile infrastructure failures, and rising concerns about energy security and climate change. Manasi Deshpande and Doug Elmendorf discuss a strategy for America to increase investment in physical and telecommunications infrastructure to spur a more prosperous economy.

America's Traffic Congestion Problem: Toward a Framework for National Reform

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A large and growing burden on the nation’s economy, traffic congestion arises for various reasons, and more than one mechanism is needed to combat it. In a discussion paper for The Hamilton Project, David Lewis proposes a nationwide congestion pricing system to combat the financial and social costs of congestion.

Infrastructure: Time to Compete to Win

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Olympic development boom in China showcases the results of years of rapid growth in China’s economy and mirrors that of many other emerging markets. One of the Olympic lessons for the U.S. should be to reverse its ailing infrastructure trend and begin investing for the long-term to stay competitive, according to Lael Brainard.

A Bridge to Somewhere: Rethinking American Transportation for the 21st Century

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Puentes calls on the federal government to empower major metropolitan areas by giving them direct transportation funding and the flexibility to make unbiased decisions between different modes of transportation. The federal government can then maximize performance by committing itself (and the recipients of federal funds) to an evidence-based, outcome driven, and benchmarked way of doing business.

Driving Competitiveness: A Transportation Policy for the 21st Century

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:20:23 GMT

This session explored a new plan to overhaul U.S. transportation policy to meet the needs of the 21st century economy. This included a discussion of the key economic, environmental challenges facing metro areas, the flaws in the current federal policy response and recommendations for a new, unified, and competitive vision for federal transportation policy.

Creating Quality Places: Making Housing Part of the Sustainability Solution

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:21:09 GMT

This panel discussed links among housing, transportation, and climate change goals, with particular attention to the roles of the federal government in re-framing the affordability issue and fostering sustainable metropolitan growth.

Shrinking the Carbon Footprint of Metropolitan America

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings released a report that ranks the carbon footprint of the nation’s top 100 metropolitan areas. For the first time, the report quantifies a metropolitan area’s carbon footprint based upon carbon emissions from highway transportation and residential energy consumption and lists metropolitan areas by total metric tons of carbon emissions per capita in 2005. The report offers recommendations on how the federal government should step up its support of metropolitan efforts to shrink their carbon footprints.

Rising Oil Prices, Declining National Security

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As gasoline prices continue to set new records, David Sandalow recently testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the national security threats posed by rising oil prices. Drawing from his book Freedom from Oil, Sandalow emphasized the potential for plug-in electric vehicles to help solve the problem.”

Delayed! U.S. Aviation Infrastructure Policy at a Crossroads

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this chapter excerpted from their new book, Aviation Infrastructure Performance (Brookings 2008), Steven Morrison and Clifford Winston argue that privatized airports and air traffic control would have the potential to improve service to travelers and reduce the cost of carrier operations while maintaining the nation’s outstanding record of air travel safety in the face of an ever greater volume of traffic. In addition, privatized airports could facilitate greater competition among airlines that would lead to lower fares.

Aviation Infrastructure Performance : A Study in Comparative Political Economy

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

International transportation experts compare and contrast how different nations have managed their airports and air traffic control systems and how well they are meeting the needs of their people.

Transportation and the Economy

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 28, 2008, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Opportunity 08 hosted U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters for a discussion of America's transportation infrastructure. Secretary Peters focused on the challenges facing the nation’s transportation network, and how local, state and national leaders can take advantage of new technology and approaches to unleash a new wave of transportation investments in this country.

Planning for Quality Schools: Meeting the Needs of District Families

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The District of Columbia is struggling to attract and retain families with children. Most newcomers are singles and childless couples. The total number of school-age children has declined slightly. Many of the city’s schools suffer from long-standing physical, management and academic problems. The availability of quality public schools, near affordable family-friendly housing, will help determine the city’s success.

The State of Airline Competition and Prospective Mergers

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This fall the United States will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 and, Clifford Winston and Steven Morrison argue, the nation has reason to celebrate because airline deregulation has benefited both travelers and carriers.

Airlines are Safer than Ever

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Flights on U.S. airlines have never been more crowded, but despite recent reports, Clifford Winston and Robert Crandall argue, U.S. airlines have never been safer.

Extending Deregulation

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:10:42 GMT

Few industries remain subject to classic economic regulation in the United States. Senior Fellow Robert Crandall says the next president should help remove some of the controls left on these industries in order to help promote economic expansion.

Beginning Again: A Metropolitan Transportation Vision for the 21st Century

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

During this time of economic uncertainty, environmental anxiety and household stress the nation must get the most out of its largest discretionary domestic program—transportation. In recent testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Robert Puentes recommends the federal government adopt a three-pronged strategy to lead in certain areas, empower states and metropolitan areas in others and maximize performance across the nation.

New Interactive Mapping Website Determines Housing & Transportation Affordability for Americans

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 09, 2008, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Brookings Urban Markets Initiative joined with the Center for Neighborhood Technology in a demonstration of their new interactive web tool that calculates the cost of housing and transportation by neighborhood in 52 metropolitan areas across the United States.

Easing the Traffic Jam through Congestion Pricing

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 01, 2008, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Brookings’ Hamilton Project and Metropolitan Policy Program hosted a roundtable discussion on the merits and potential barriers to congestion pricing as a tool for combating urban gridlock. Brookings Fellow Robert Puentes provided an overview of the national transportation landscape and David Lewis, senior vice president with HDR Decision Economics, discussed his newly proposal for a coordinated federal-state policy framework for congestion pricing. A panel of experts discussed the proposal in the context of the current national debate.

The Effect of FAA Expenditures on Air Travel Delays

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) seeks to prevent the nation’s aviation system from becoming congested. To reduce delays, the FAA makes investments in air traffic control. Clifford Winston and Steven A. Morrison assess the efficacy of these investments by developing an empirical model of delays that is motivated by air traffic control operations.

An Economic Plan for the Commonwealth: Unleashing the Assets of Metropolitan Pennsylvania

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In Pennsylvania, the next major presidential primary state, concerns about the economy loom large. A true federal economic agenda for the Commonwealth must empower state and local innovators to leverage the core assets of the nation's economy--innovation, infrastructure, human capital and quality places--where those assets are located: Pennsylvania’s many small and large metropolitan areas.

Commuting to Opportunity: The Working Poor and Commuting in the United States

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A transportation survey conducted to better understand how commuting enhances both physical and economic mobility for a worker, this survey also assesses a workers' ability to find and retain employment.

Pay-As-You-Drive Car Insurance

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jason Bordoff presents a plan for "pay-as-you-drive" car insurance, a win-win policy—good for society and good for most drivers—that makes significant progress on climate change, congestion and other driving-related harms and is more equitable at the same time, all while reducing insurance costs for the majority of drivers.

Washington Must Retool for a More Focused Role in Buffalo

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a piece for the Buffalo News, Rob Puentes illustrates how the federal transportation policies have ignored industrial metropolitan areas like Buffalo or have undermined them directly.

We Need Washington: Some of North Texas' Problems Are Too Big To Go It Alone

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Katz and Don Williams argue that the federal government needs to refresh its perspective on the way it supports metropolitan areas across America, such as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, by harnessing new ideas on innovation, infrastructure, human capital and education that will help fuel prosperity.

Assessing Federal Employment Accessibility Policy: An Analysis of the JARC Program

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this report, the authors review the past 40 years of federal policy toward transportation mobility for low-income workers, including the most recent Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program, administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Keeping Controversial Dulles Project on Track

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Writing in the Politico, Robert Puentes argues that the dust-up over rail to Dulles airport is not a unique disease, but rather a symptom of a much larger national transportation illness.

Visioning Transportation’s Future: SAFETEA-LU Reauthorization and Beyond

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As part of this session at the National Association of Regional Councils annual meeting in Washington, DC, Robert Puentes discusses urgency of transportation accessibility, connectivity, and mobility issues that affecting the prosperity and vitality of the nation and its metropolitan areas. He highlights several critical flaws in current U.S. transportation policy today and offers a broad three-part framework for a new transportation agenda.

America’s Infrastructure: Ramping Up or Crashing Down

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

America’s bridges, roads, rails and web of channel communications form the connective tissue that we call infrastructure. When these underpinnings start to crumble, so does the economic competitiveness of the nation. The third Bernard L. Schwartz Forum on Competitiveness explored the challenges and opportunities for new infrastructure investment.

Another Look at Airport Congestion Pricing

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In this paper, Steven A. Morrison and Clifford Winston develop a model of the net benefits to air travelers from flights to and from US airports and calibrate it with data that account for a large share of the nation’s passenger air travel in 2005.

Vehicle Choice Behavior and the Declining Market Share of U.S. Automakers

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Clifford Winston and Kenneth E. Train develop a consumer-level model of vehicle choice to shed light on the erosion of the U.S. automobile manufacturers’ market share during the past decade. They examine the influence of vehicle attributes, brand loyalty, product line characteristics, and dealerships.

Transportation for a Metropolitan Nation

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Debate on the nation’s transportation policy focuses narrowly on new revenues needed to bolster the federal program. In recent testimony before the House Budget Committee, Fellow Robert Puentes argues that we should start with a clearer articulation of the goals, objectives and desired outcomes.

Going Nowhere: The Dimensions of the Transportation Problem in the U.S.

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

As part of the plenary session at the Inaugural William O. Lipinski Symposium on Transportation Policy in Chicago, Robert Puentes discusses urgency of transportation accessibility, connectivity, and mobility issues that affecting the prosperity and vitality of the nation and its metropolitan areas. He highlights several critical flaws in current U.S. transportation policy today and offers a broad framework for a new transportation agenda.

America’s Infrastructure: Ramping Up or Crashing Down

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 10, 2007, 9:00 AM to 12:10 PM

The fiscal deficit, tight budgets and an absence of clear priorities appear to be constraining this country from sufficient investment in its bridges, roads, airports, ports and broadband systems. But, given the benefits of a solid foundation, can we afford not to invest more in this infrastructure? On October 10, 2007, Brookings hosted the third in a series of forums on U.S. competitiveness, a public symposium that explored the challenges and opportunities for new infrastructure investment.

Not So fast: Key Policy Considerations for Financing Transportation

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Current conversations around finance and revenue distribution dominate the discussion about transportation in the United States today. These concerns are so prevalent today that they spawned not one – but two – national commissions to investigate how the nation should approach the issue of funding transportation over the long term.

Don't Drink the CAFE Kool-Aid

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Robert W. Crandall and Hal J. Singer argue against new CAFE standards on Detroit automakers being considered by Congress.

Don't Raise that Gas Tax...Yet!

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the Minneapolis bridge collapse, President Bush shot down a suggestion that the federal government increase the gas tax to raise more money for transportation.

A Blueprint for National Prosperity

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Thirty years ago, some futurists predicted that the restructuring of the American economy and our technological advances would free and un-anchor us from place, precipitating a mass de-urbanization throughout the nation.

Managing Global Insecurity Advisory Group: Introductory Meeting in DC

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 11, 2007, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

In the first meeting of the Managing Global Insecurity Advisory Group the participants affirmed that the current international system is not adequate to address the global challenges of the environment, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and poverty.

The Sticker Shock of Sprawl: Housing/Transportation Tradeoffs in Metro Kansas City

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

If housing policy is to achieve its full potential, it cannot be crafted and executed in isolation, but rather, it must be shaped in concert with related policies like transportation, land use, economic development, financial services, and even education.

Cashing in on the BP Beltway

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Commercial interests and smart investors are turning their eyes toward some of our nation's most prominent roadways. Private companies, syndicates, and their advisors are putting up billions of dollars banking on steady, ever increasing toll revenues

Extending Deregulation: Make the U.S. Economy More Efficient

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Since the 1970s, deregulation has succeeded in increasing overall economic welfare and sharply reducing prices, generally by about 30 percent, for transportation—including air travel, rail transportation, and trucking—and for natural gas and telecommunications. Few industries remain subject to classic economic regulation in the United States.

Remaking Transportation and Housing Policy for the New Century

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The profound demographic, economic, and spatial change in the United States demands that we design and embrace a new, unified, competitive vision for transportation and housing policy, argues Bruce Katz in his testimony before the Appropriations Subc

Down By The Station: Exploring the Benefits of Rail Transit in the 21st Century

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In this keynote presentation at the Lehigh Valley Transportation Forum, Robert Puentes discusses the potential benefits that accrue to communities that pursue effective and efficient rail transportation. But rather than focusing on congestion relief,

Unfriendly Skies

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Robert Crandall and Clifford Winston argue that policy-makers take the wrong approach in opposing recent merger attempts in the airline industry. While enforcement of antitrust laws can improve consumer welfare in some cases, Crandall and Winston conclude that government efforts to prevent such mergers "do little to improve consumer welfare and sometimes actually reduce it."

The 2% Solution: Drawing a Critical Mass of Residents Downtown is Key to Urban Revival

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

As Eliot Spitzer prepares to take office, Bruce Katz argues that the energetic governor-elect has been notable among gubernatorial candidates and incumbents in laying out a promising agenda to revitalize his state's distressed metropolitan areas.

The Economic Potential of American Cities

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

In this paper for Living Cities: The National Community Development Initiative, Bruce Katz examines the profound demographic and economic changes roiling the nation and outlines six key strategies, and their federal policy components, for American ci

On the Social Desirability of Urban Rail Transit Systems

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Despite a decline in its mode share, investment to build new urban rail transit systems and extend old ones continues. Clifford Winston and Vikram Maheshri estimate the contribution of each U.S. urban rail operation to social welfare based on the demand for and cost of its service.

Can Traffic Congestion Be Cured?

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The Bush Administration recently launched a new "National Strategy to Reduce Congestion on America's Transportation Network." This new policy deals with both air and ground travel, but focuses mainly on highway traffic congestion. But does this strategy show an understanding of what really causes traffic congestion and what might be done effectively in response? Anthony Downs investigates.

An Inherent Bias? Geographic and Racial-Ethnic Patterns of Metropolitan Planning Organization Boards

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Metropolitan planning organizations are often the conduit through which billions of federal and state transportation dollars flow for regional transportation investments.