Gas Price Increase Needed To Re-invest In Rail Infrastructure

Gasoline price spikes are exposing a weakness in our transportation system: the lack of alternatives to highways.

1 minute read

June 27, 2004, 5:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"Aside from (gasoline prices)causing a pain in our personal budgets, the so-called "free market" is also exposing our transportation systems as unprepared to deal with the consequences of a long-term increase in gasoline prices. Although we are beset with steadily increasing congestion on our highways and airways, we allow our rail infrastructure to atrophy at a time when we most need it as an economical and fuel-efficient alternative.

Certainly, motorists are not happy. But where can they turn if gasoline prices force them to drive less and seek another mode? Business needs to ship raw materials or finished products, but doing so on increasingly crowded highways or by air is less and less cost-effective. Both are looking at rail as an alternative, but rail is underfunded, underdeveloped and unable to provide the desired level of service.

Thanks to Stu Nicholson

Saturday, June 12, 2004 in The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A rendering of the Beltline light rail, which goes through a forested area. People walk on a path next to it.

Atlanta City Council unanimously backs $3.5 billion Beltline light rail project

The resolution was drafted after Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens pulled support for the Atlanta Streetcar extension last year.

September 24 - Construction Review

A person boards a SEPTA bus.

SEPTA to bring nearby frequent transit to over 1 million new riders as part of decade-long plan

The agency's Accelerate plan will also bring frequent transit to twice the amount of jobs that are currently located near it.

September 24 - Mass Transit

Five people squat by a tree in NYC, helping to care for it.

NYC plants over 18,000 trees, the most new foliage in a decade

Many of the trees were planted in communities vulnerable to extreme heat.

September 24 - AM NY

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design