Topic: Transportation Policy

Transportation bill, not yet passed, already blasted by critics

House and Senate negotiators are considering how to mesh two very different transportation bills, but experts and lobbyists say neither bill addresses the fundamental problems.

Boom in biking benefits everyone, not just bicyclists

All Americans are better off because biking and walking foster public health, stronger local communities and economies, less traffic congestion, safer streets, lower energy use, and a cleaner environment.

Time to end Washington's trust fund gimmicks

In theory, it makes sense to establish special accounts where designated revenues are set aside for a specific purpose. But in practice, Washington is grossly abusing the idea.

Highway bill clears Senate, but GOP dissenters foreshadow House fight

Some senators challenged not just how to pay for a $109 billion highway bill, but also whether Washington should even continue its role financing the nation's roads, bridges, and ports.

Senate passes highway bill, but rough road ahead in House

After years of delay, the Senate passes a two-year highway bill to help fix the nation's roads, bridges, rails, and ports. But rifts in the House could delay passage.

Tale of two jobs bills: a parable of gridlock in Congress

The House passed the JOBS Act, which businesses call important but incremental. The much more consequential transportation bill, however, remains in partisan gridlock. 

Blunt amendment brings culture wars to Congress

The Blunt amendment would attach a provision to a key highway bill that would let employers opt out of a new federal health-care mandate for their employees if they have religious objections.

Why won't Egypt let Americans return to US?

Sam LaHood, son of US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, heads the International Republican Institute in Egypt and was recently kept from boarding a flight out of Egypt.

Widespread snow buries Seattle area

There were 95 accidents in an eight-hour period in Pierce and Thurston counties, which include Tacoma and Olympia, State Trooper Guy Gill said Wednesday morning.

National ban on cellphone use while driving, recommends NTSB

Every state should ban the use of cellphones while driving, says the National Transportation Safety Board. More than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in the US in 2010.

Thanksgiving travel: Top 3 ways to spot delays

Thanksgiving Day is one of America's most cherished holidays, yet the 24 hours before the celebration begins seem to create the biggest challenges. Will you get to your destination safely? Will you be on time? It's no surprise that Americans encounter snags. Some 42.5 million people will be traveling more than 50 miles this year to their Thanksgiving destinations, according to AAA, a 4 percent increase over last year. Here are three methods to help you plan ahead and avoid travel delays:

Is Gary Johnson right about shovel-ready jobs? 5 infrastructure challenges.

Republican presidential candidate Gary Johnson scored a rhetorical winner by saying that his neighbor's dogs 'have created more shovel-ready jobs than this current administration.' But the one-liner doesn't settle the debate over infrastructure and the economy.

Under the gun on jobs, Obama tells Congress to pass major transportation bill

As he prepares for his critical speech on jobs, President Obama is urging Congress to fund a major transportation bill. It pays for infrastructure work on roads, bridges, and mass transit systems.

Landmark US-Mexico trucking agreement resolves 15-year conflict

After years of wrangling, US and Mexican officials signed an agreement Wednesday that allows trucks from each nation to travel on the other country’s highways – a key provision of NAFTA.

Driving at peak traffic time? Pay a fee.

'Congestion pricing' is a better alternative to charging taxes based on the number of miles driven. It would save the government money, and it would save taxpayers time.

Should snoozing controller at Reagan airport have had backup?

The US secretary of Transportation has asked airports to consider adding a second air-traffic controller to their overnight shifts. But one key congressman says that would be a waste of money.

Controller's mistake at Reagan airport shows safety plans worked

The lone air-traffic controller at Reagan airport Wednesday night may have been snoozing, but safeguards allowed planes to land, say aviation officials.

Smoke and mirrors in Obama's budget? Five examples of creative accounting.

President Obama's proposed $3.7 trillion dollar federal government budget works some economic magic, from disappearing programs to mystery funding sources.

Here’s a look at five key head-scratchers in the 2012 budget:

Airport outrage: Will airlines be fined for three-hour delays on tarmac?

The US Transportation Department can fine airlines that force passengers to wait in an airplane on the tarmac for more than three hours. The blizzard aftermath could be a test case.

What’s the best way to modernize our transportation?

With a lagging economy, high unemployment, and aging transportation systems, Americans debate the best ways to invest in their infrastructure and stimulate economic activity – from high-speed rail and congestion pricing, to cutting pork and tapping private capital.

Federal, state officials review high speed rail using stimulus funds

As highway funding from the gas tax inevitably declines, revenue sources from high speed rail is being scrutinized. Obama pledged $8 billion in stimulus funds to the technology, of which Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont have received $160 million so far.

Taxing drivers by the mile and not by the gallon

A tax on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) was shot down last year by President Obama. But a new study by respected transportation experts – and a successful pilot program in Oregon – should revive the idea.

Venezuela plane crash: At least 23 survivors taken to hospitals

Venezuela plane crash occurred about 6 miles from the eastern city of Puerto Ordaz at about 10 a.m.