Neliann Rivera
Transportation Policy Analyst, Reason Foundation
Neliann Rivera is a transportation policy analyst at Reason Foundation.
Originally from Puerto Rico and now based in Georgia, Rivera earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs with concentrations in economics, business, and policy from Kennesaw State University.
Before joining Reason, Rivera served as a Reservist Emergency Management Specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). She also held various research and policy roles with the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), legislative offices, and nonprofits, where she focused on policy analysis, governance, and economic issues.She is passionate about leveraging research and innovation to shape policies that are more equitable, efficient, and accessible for the communities they serve.
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Weak transit board oversight is hurting public transportation investment
When a board’s structure does not reflect the complexity of its responsibilities, decisions may not be properly reviewed or enforced.
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How states can prioritize needed transportation projects and improve the effectiveness of spending
Taxpayers spend billions on infrastructure, but states like Texas allow politics to play a role in determining which projects are chosen.
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Federal transit policy incentivizes wrong actions for riders
Federal transit programs should prioritize maintaining and improving current systems before funding major expansions.
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Federal transit oversight should focus on operations and safety, not paperwork and compliance
Transit systems work best when state and local agencies handle governance and funding rather than relying on federal mandates and compliance systems.
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Despite increased funding, transit ridership hasn’t returned in most areas
States where transit continued to support local, all-day travel generally saw steadier post-pandemic recoveries than those focused primarily on peak-hour commuting into downtown job centers.
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Building public trust in mileage-based road funding
Mileage-based user fees can either become another tax or a smarter, privacy-safe way to fund the roads people rely on.
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Using the practical power of public-private partnerships to improve infrastructure
Public-private partnerships can help states deliver megaprojects but can also improve smaller-scale infrastructure projects.
