The Department of Transportation subsidizes and regulates highways, airports, air traffic control, urban transit, passenger rail, and other activities. However, taxpayers and consumers would be better off if these activities were privatized, as has occurred in numerous other countries. Opening up the financing and operation of transportation infrastructure to the private sector would save money, spur innovation, and reduce congestion.
The department will spend about $84 billion in 2012, or about $710 for every U.S. household. It employs 58,000 workers.
Spending Cuts Summary
- Here are proposed spending cuts to the department.
Downsize This!
- Federal Highway Funding. Highway aid gets misallocated and related regulations stifle local innovation. Highway aid and federal fuel taxes should be ended, and the states should pursue toll highway projects with the private sector.
- Urban Transit. The federal government spends billions of dollars a year on urban rail systems even though buses are more efficient. Without federal subsidies, cities would make better choices for their local transit needs.
- Airports and Air Traffic Control. Airport subsidies should be ended and U.S. airports privatized, as has occurred in many major cities abroad. Air traffic control should be commercialized, with Canada providing a good reform model.
- Privatizing Amtrak. Government-run railroads don’t work due to political meddling, high labor costs, and a lack of management flexibility. Amtrak should be privatized so that train service can thrive on those routes that make economic sense.
- High-Speed Rail. Policymakers are dumping billions of dollars into high-speed rail, even though foreign systems are money losers and carry only a small share of intercity passengers.
Timeline of Government Growth
- See this timeline for key events in the department’s growth.
Further Reading
- Here are background studies that examine the department’s activities.
Cato Experts
- Randal O’Toole, Senior Fellow
- Chris Edwards, Director, Tax Policy Studies
- Tad DeHaven, Budget Policy Analyst
- Peter Van Doren, Senior Fellow