Rebuilding Transportation Networks: Key Policy Issues and Program Challenges

 

The United States economy depends largely on improved transportation network systems. In order to stay productive and maintain its key place as a global leader, existing infrastructures must be adequately maintained and opportunities for significant advancements in technology exploited. Unfortunately, the transit systems that support most commuters face a maintenance backlog with increasing threats of becoming unreliable. Poor road conditions contributed significantly to traffic fatalities which rose to an unprecedented 10 percent compared to recent years. However, policy initiatives have focused on expanding capacity and building new facilities to accommodate the growing challenges or problems facing the industry. Key policy options needed to transform the transportation industry have been identified as

·         Increasing infrastructure capacity such as building new roads, bridges, and other facilities to help drive a productive economy

·         Maintaining existing facilities more effectively through improved methods and state-of-the-art techniques

·         Introducing new technologies and talent

·         Combat congestion through teleworks, planned land use, smaller and automated vehicles that meet up with current emission standards

·         Promote public transit, biking, walking and mobility demand

In the business world, the freight industry finds itself in a dilemma triggered by the pandemic and slowing down supply chain as a result of global healthcare restrictions that limit the movement of goods and services. Some of this include the dramatic increase in online shopping due to stay at home orders, port congestion from unclaimed containers, air traffic congestion resulting from business mergers etc. Transportation policies that address these issues at every level may include

·         Improving freight planning and coordination

·         Promoting investments that resolve congestion issues at the ports

·         Adopting innovative strategies targeting the freight industry

Research and development that promotes technological advancement in freight handling will help transform vehicles, improve existing infrastructure, logistics and the delivery of transportation services. With access to new technology and more reliable information, traveler’s experiences can be enhanced and the efficient management of transportation systems fostered