overview of a timely publication. transportations importance has been recognized since colonial...

Overview of a Timely Publication

Transportation’s importance has been recognized since colonial times◦ National defense◦ Economic vitality◦ Quality of life

Transportation affects every aspect of our lives◦ Product (shipping) costs◦ Travel costs◦ Productive time◦ Available discretionary time◦ Stress

Trail Route Length

Braddock Road US40=> I-68 100+ miles

El Camino Real US101=> I-5 600 miles

Santa Fe Trail I-25 2000 miles

Plank roads constructed by private companies at no cost to communities

Private roads disappeared due to•Low return on investment•Over-regulation•Availability of other modes

1920’s Bureau of Public Roads distributed Federal funds for network of 2-lane roads and to spur employment

1950’s Federal highway Administration began construction of the 46,000 mile interstate system

80%

100%

120%

140%

160%

180%

200%

220%

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

1980

= 1

00%

VMT Index Lane Mile Index

Vehicle Miles of Travel

Roadway Capacity

Lack of public understanding

No money

Increasing demand

Driving our modern cars on broken roads

Near term solutions◦Mobility◦Safety

Longer term solutions◦Funding alternatives◦Changing the culture

What if we do nothing?

Mobility is the ability to reliably get from Point A to point B within a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost.

Mobility can be improved with effective management of the roadway system

Traffic signals Ramp metering Incident management Electronic payment (tolls, HOT lanes, etc.) Lane management (shoulders, HOV, HOT) Route diversion Variable speed limits Traveler information systems Etc.

details to

follow

Benefits of improved signaltiming include:◦ Travel time reduced as much as 25%◦ Emissions reduced up to 22%◦ Fuel consumption reduce up to 10%

Better signal timing could save each motorist as much as50 gallons/year

Why does the public accept poor operation?

Controls traffic entering the freeway

Keeps freeway flowing smoothly

Benefits measured in Minnesota:◦ Travel time reduced 22%◦ Accidents reduced 25%

60,000

40,000

20,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

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The State of Victoria, Australia◦ Greatly increased penalties for drunk driving◦ Increased probationary license period to three years◦ Increased speed enforcement◦ Increased traffic stops◦ Increased public education

Fatality rate decreased by 60% (one-half the US fatality rate)

Success due to ◦ Political support◦ Sound and realistic plan

key point

Improved customer service – Do you know who to call?

Increased performance measurement – Do you know how your agency is doing?

Get the politicians out of the picture – Who should make the transportation decisions?

Higher gas taxes Tolls, HOT lanes, congestion pricing Increased fees (registration, licenses, etc.)

Privately constructed and operated roads

Vehicle miles of travel (VMT) pricing Transportation utility fees

Privatize the transportation system◦ Create and investor owned transportation utility◦ Financed by transportation utility fee◦ Oversight by public utility commission

Advantages◦ Minimizes legislative micro-management◦ Freed from dependence on annual appropriations◦ Avoids categorical funding◦ Staff incentives possible

Let’s improve mobility

Let’s improve safety

Let’s improve accountability

Let’s change the funding paradigm

•Increased travel time

•Higher shipping costs

•Poor air quality

•Degraded transit service