This chapter describes how transportation policy in the United States of America (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 nations transportation systems, networks, and technology. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy described the US approach to transportation as a "chaotic patchwork of inconsistent and often obsolete legislation and regulation." The chapter discusses how much has been done since then in order to improve how the USA addresses its transportation issues. The process of implementing effective transportation polices and programs are 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.
Samenvatting