So far the reviews have not been kind to the proposed changes to the U.S. Department of Transportation performance measurement rule. The public comment for the proposed rule closes August 20.
Alex Dodds writes that "the U.S. Department of Transportation is considering new requirements for how states and metro areas will have to measure traffic congestion" for the first time in its history. Although Dodds acknowledges that the idea is a good one, "the Department of Transportation’s proposed rule as it’s currently written has some serious problems."
Namely, the "proposed rule defines success as keeping traffic moving at high speeds at all times of day on all types of roads and streets." Moreover, the "formula being considered ignores pedestrians, cyclist, telecommuters, transit riders and those who carpool."
Dodds has additional criticisms, joining a chorus that includes criticisms by Joe Cortright, writing for City Observatory back in April. The article by Dodds also serves as a call to action. Dodds writes: "The good news is that public comments are currently being accepted on this rule, which means there’s still a chance to change it. Comments close on August 20."
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