Commentary

Recent Commentary

The National Journal Transportation Experts Blog moderator Lisa Caruso asked this week, "Is Obama Spending the High-Speed Rail Money Wisely? Read America 2050 Director Petra Todorovich's response here, along with other responses from a panel of transportation policy analysts and professionals. 

America 2050 hailed this week's high-speed rail announcement as the first step toward a sustained federal commitment to build a national high-speed rail network. But the skeptics at Fox Business had another take. Watch the clip.

It's time for a plan.

Throughout history, our nation's leaders have made ambitious investments in America's infrastructure. The Eerie Canal, the Transcontinental Railroad, the Interstate Highway System are examples of ambitious, far-reaching visions that transformed America and fueled economic growth. These plans were implemented by the government and the private sector working together. Without them, our country would not have enjoyed the unrivaled prosperity, mobility, and opportunity that made us the envy of the world.


America 2050 Director Petra Todorovich discusses how the New York region may fare in a jobs bill being considered by President Obama and Congress and the importance of fully funding the New York MTA's five-year capital plan.
Richard Little, Director of the USC Keston Institute and an America 2050 partner discussed high-speed rail this week with Brian Sullivan on Fox Business News. Little emphasized the need to invest strategically in corridors where there's demand for high-speed rail service.

America 2050 Director, Petra Todorovich discusses using stimulus dollars for high-speed rail with Stuart Varney on Fox Business News.

Read America 2050's recent report, Where High-Speed Rail Works Best and recent testimony on high-speed rail to the House of Representatives here.

A new article appearing in the September issue of The Urbanist by Petra Todorovich addresses the role of megaregions in a national infrastructure plan and stresses the importance of regional cooperation around issues such as high-speed rail, large scale water infrastructure, and reviving regional economies. The article argues that a national infrastructure strategy that emanates solely from Washington would be deeply unpopular.  However, one that is built on collaboration between states and regions and identifies the needed investments for a more productive economy, healthy environment and inclusive society, is critical to address the country's current and future infrastructure needs. The article cites precedents, both historic and current, of megaregion-scale cooperation to address shared challenges and discusses how this national infrastructure strategy could take shape at the federal level. Click here to read the full article.


America 2050 Director Petra Todorovich appeared on Fox Business News to discuss high-speed rail in America. Watch the video here.