Transportation Policy and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

A viable transportation system is fundamental to virtually every society, and investment in transportation worldwide is correlated with a nation’s economic activity. A developed economy such as that in the United States is supported by highly developed transportation networks representing billions of dollars in investment. Transportation systems (and systems of highways, roads, and streets in particular) typically constitute one of the largest government-owned assets in developed nations, and are a major asset in developing economies as well. Effective transportation policy is critical not only to the efficient, cost-effective use of public funds, but also because of the vital contribution of transportation assets to promoting economic growth, social cohesion, national defense, domestic security, and emergency preparedness of the nation. While surface transportation systems at a national and regional level often comprise more than one major type of modal network (e.g., roads, rail, inland waterway), this book focuses on highways, roads, streets, and transit in megacities. Urban road and street assets are a major focus of public investment; they serve a number of motorized as well as non-motorized modes (e.g., personal autos, freight and service vehicles, bus transit, non-motorized transit, bicycles, pedestrians); and their level of operational performance has important implications for economic and social vitality, safety, and environmental protection.