Lessons from a Landmark US Policy for Transportation, Land Use and Air Quality, and Implications for Policy Changes in Other Countries

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Band 55, Heft 2, S. 307-317

Abstract

Normally, discussion about more sustainable mobility concentrates on the travel behavior of individuals, but the transportation system is also very much influenced by the behavior of institutions. This paper looks into changes in transportation planning & financing mechanisms initiated by the US Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, introduced in 1991, & the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, introduced in 1997. In spite of their limitations, these legislative provisions, driven by strong advocacy coalitions, have had a significant impact on US transport policy. They indicate lessons for other countries both in terms of the political process & in terms of interactions between levels of policy making. A top-down approach at the Federal level can be useful to enhance a nationwide bottom-up planning process at the local & regional level. The ability to induce reform even in an unbalanced & unsustainable transport system with high car ownership, extreme development of car-oriented infrastructure, & high car use is an indication of more general potential for change. 11 References. Adapted from the source document.