Transportation

Infrastructure Update: The Outlook for Fare-Free Transit

Doing away with public transit fares is an idea that gained traction in recent years, with the pandemic spurring new interest. But views differ on whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

We All Should Be Rooting for the Infrastructure Implementation Task Force

COMMENTARY | Identifying the people and places left behind in the current economy is critical.

  • By G. Edward DeSeve

Why Communities Should Adopt Vision Zero to Curb Traffic Fatalities

COMMENTARY | Instituting Vision Zero strategies, which aim to redesign road systems and policies to reduce traffic fatalities, will minimize the economic, health care and safety costs associated with traffic accidents.

  • By Wes Guckert

The Country’s Most Cost-Effective Highway Systems

North Dakota’s highways are in the best condition for the least amount of money, according to an annual report released this month.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Infrastructure Update: Diversity, Equity and State DOTs

The first Black president of the leading association for state transportation officials speaks with Route Fifty about race, equity and diversity issues confronting public infrastructure agencies.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Snowy Roads Will Be Cleared, But It Will ‘Take Extra Time’

The ongoing labor shortage has exacerbated existing plow driver hiring problems, transportation officials said.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Salmon to Swim Free as Infrastructure Money Flows

The Biden infrastructure law includes $1B to remove fish barriers in several states.

  • By Alex Brown, Stateline

Buttigieg Emphasizes Need for Regional Cooperation on Infrastructure Grants

Speaking to city leaders, the transportation secretary also said his department would strive to make programs "user friendly" for communities of all sizes and highlighted road safety efforts.

  • By Bill Lucia

Five Ways Government Leaders Can Develop Future Infrastructure Workers

The $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure package can deliver a needed jolt to the labor market, but states and localities need to focus on building the long-term labor pipeline, according to a new report.

  • By Andre Claudio

Infrastructure Update: The Bill is Signed. What's Next?

President Biden has signed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure law. Attention is now turning to states and localities, which will have a key role coming up with projects and implementing programs.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Localities Pose Stricter Rules on E-Scooter Use, But Challenges Remain

After a pandemic-induced dip, scooter ridership is on the rise again, rekindling concerns about safety and other issues.

  • By Andre Claudio

Introducing Route Fifty's Infrastructure Update

In this first edition of our new weekly newsletter, we look at the implications of the November election results on infrastructure issues around the U.S.

  • By Daniel C. Vock
Featured eBooks
State and Local Transportation Trends
Broadband Trends
Trends in the Police Workforce

Why Cars Don’t Deserve the Right of Way

COMMENTARY | The simplest way to make roads safer and reduce police violence at the same time.

  • By Brett Simpson, The Atlantic

5 Midwest States Form Electric Vehicle Pact

They plan to work together building out charging infrastructure and on other issues. The agreement comes after Ford unveiled plans for big electric vehicle investments in another region.

  • By Bill Lucia

Ford to Invest Billions in Electric Vehicle Production in Two States

One governor is describing a planned facility as the largest economic development project his state has ever seen.

  • By Bill Lucia

A State’s Plan for the Nation’s First Section of Wireless Charging Road

Michigan hopes to test out a short segment of roadway that will allow electric cars to recharge as they drive, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Out-of-State Toll Scofflaws Vex State Authorities

States such as New Jersey are losing millions when out-of-state drivers fail to pay their tolls, fines and fees. Some states are looking at reciprocal agreements.

  • By Elaine S. Povich, Stateline

Removing Urban Highways Can Improve Neighborhoods Blighted by Decades of Racist Policies

COMMENTARY | At least 28 cities have begun or are planning to partly or fully remove highways that have isolated Black neighborhoods.

  • By Julian Agyeman and Joan Fitzgerald, The Conversation

Deadly Auto Crashes Up, Despite Less Driving

New federal statistics show that a troubling trend with a rise in fatalities on the nation's roadways continued into this year.

  • By Bill Lucia

Repeat Drunk Drivers in This State Can Now Face Life in Prison

Drunk drivers with previous impaired-driving convictions who kill or injure others will be subjected to increased sentencing guidelines, including the possibility of life in prison, under a new law in New Hampshire.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

A $1M Project to Prevent Wrong-Way Driving

The Iowa Department of Transportation is using signs and special cameras to try to prevent wrong-way driving collisions, a relatively infrequent but deadly occurrence across the country.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram