Back to Basics: Prioritizing Safety, Efficiency, and Reliability in the Next Transportation Bill

Recent surface transportation bills have driven significant safety improvements, including an 8.2% decline in fatalities in the first half of this year.  To sustain this progress, the next reauthorization must continue supporting data-driven safety initiatives that protect families, communities, and workers. 

Reauthorization must also advance adoption of innovative technologies like autonomous vehicles and smart infrastructure that are already enhancing our transportation networks. Connected infrastructure, advanced driver-assistance systems, and vehicle-to-everything communications are reducing crashes, improving traffic flow, and enhancing work zone safety. Congress can accelerate these advancements by establishing standards, allocating funding, and fostering public-private partnerships and foster a resilient transportation network. 

Efficient infrastructure gives businesses a competitive advantage by lowering logistics costs and improving supply chain performance. Upgrades to high-volume freight corridors and last-mile connectors reduce delays and inventory costs, enabling just-in-time operations. Reauthorization can provide stable, multiyear funding that allows businesses to plan effectively, driving lower costs, stronger regional competitiveness, and broad-based economic growth. 

Reliable infrastructure supports jobs, connects communities, and ensures business confidence. Federal programs are helping harden infrastructure against weather impacts and reduce downtimes during disruptions, resulting in fewer unexpected shutdowns and faster recoveries. The next reauthorization should scale what works, ensuring dependable service nationwide. With steady funding and a focus on good design, regular maintenance, and timely repairs, we can keep roads, bridges, ports, and transit running smoothly.