US public transit system lags on construction speed, efficiency

Policy experts discuss structural barriers to transit development and propose reforms to accelerate project timelines and reduce costs.

First covered Jul 22, 2026 · 3:25 AM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

US public transit system lags on construction speed, efficiency — Image via volts.wtf

Coverage

66d Volts (David Roberts) The US is terrible at building public transit. Here's how to get better. — A conversation with Will Poff-Webster of the Institute for Progress and Stephanie Pollack of the MIT Mobility Initiative.

More coverage from around the web

t4america.org World-Class American Transit - Transportation For America

thetransportpolitic.com Transit Expansion in the United States: A 2024 Roundup and a Look Ahead to 2025 – The Transport Politic

sundt.com Rethinking Public Transit's Role in the U.S. Transportation System - Construction Company & General Contractor | Sundt

gov.ca.gov Governor Newsom announced nearly $2.5 billion to strengthen transportation infrastructure and advance public transit systems across the state | Governor of California

infrainsightblog.com Transportation Infrastructure - Infra Insight Blog

Discussion

Bluesky: @volts.wtf David Roberts · 66d ago · 81 ♥ Today on Volts: the US pays more per mile of public transit than almost any country in the world, thanks in part to federal planning, funding, & contracting rules that practically mandate inefficiency.

Appeared in: 2026-07-22 (#20) · 2026-07-23 (#10)

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