Reason Foundation

Recent Research and Commentary

Yes, Traffic Congestion Does Hurt Cities

January 8, 2012, 8:00am

Samuel Staley

An increasingly vocal group of urbanists and planners are arguing that traffic congestion is good for cities, but their arguments don't square with the published research which shows significant negative impacts on employment and income.

Congestion Coalition Regains Strength Despite Research

December 18, 2011, 6:08pm

Samuel Staley

Several recent articles have suggested traffic congestion is good for cities, but research shows that slower speeds reduces productivity, income, and urban growth.

In Memory of Bob Galvin

The longtime Motorola CEO had a vision for improving our lives and mobility

October 13, 2011

Adrian Moore

Reason Torchbearer Robert W. Galvin, the former chief executive and chairman of Motorola Inc., died late Tuesday in Chicago. 

Bob was an amazing guy.  He was driven, focused and ambitious, even in his 80s, which  is not surprising given his impressive life story and all that he achieved.  I first met Bob in 2004. He called me to say he wanted to talk about transportation.   He wanted to end traffic congestion, and wanted Reason to help.  As an experienced (and perhaps a bit cynical) transportation analyst I could not help but think “Well, don’t we all?" So I wondered what new insights this retired technology CEO thought he was might be bringing to the question.  

But after just one hour sitting in a room with Bob I was transformed.

 

Traffic Congestion: Bigger and Badder Than Ever

September 27, 2011, 1:42pm

Samuel Staley

The Texas Transportation Institute has released its most recent study pointing out that Americans haven't lost their appetite for mobility. By 2015, we'll add 3 more hours of delay and $33 billion to the cost of congestion each year.

Carmageddon and the Future of Cars

July 15, 2011, 11:23am

Samuel Staley

The impending closure of the Sepulveda Pass this weekend has prompted a broader discussion of whether automobiles and the mobility they provide are in the best interest of society.

Prioritizing Transportation Investments: A Note from Chongqing

June 2, 2011, 10:12am

Samuel Staley

Chongqing officials, unlike transportation planners in the U.S., have recognized the need to expand the capacity of their transportation system as well as optimize the use of their network, but not at the expense of the other.

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