Chapter 44: Transportation Policy in the USA

Transportation policy in the USA has evolved over many years in response to national problems and opportunities, shifts in ideology on the role of government, and changes in the nation's transportation systems, networks, and technology (Weiner, 1999a). In 1962, President John F. Kennedy described the US approach to transportation as a “chaotic patchwork of inconsistent and often obsolete legislation and regulation.” Much has been done since then to improve how the USA addresses its transportation issues.

The process of implementing effective transportation policies and programs is facilitated when there is agreement and consistency of the policy framework between the various levels of government and across agencies at the same level. Achieving such consistency requires extensive consultation and negotiation (Hazard, 1988).