FALSE DREAMS AND BROKEN PROMISES: THE WASTEFUL FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN URBAN MASS TRANSIT

Federal subsidies to urban mass transit systems have failed to reduce traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, or save energy, according to this study. The study also exposes a number of popular myths about the benefits of federally subsidized mass transit. It challenges the need for a proposed 20 percent increase in spending for bus and rail systems contained in a transportation bill before both houses of Congress. The study recommends abolishing federal subsidies for urban mass transit; eliminating barriers to private unsubsidized service such as minivans; and adopting competitive contracting for subsidized transit, which can cut costs up to 50 percent.

• Corporate Authors:

  Cato Institute

  1000 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • LOVE, J
  • COX, W
• Publication Date: 1991-10-17

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 29 p.
• Serial:
  • Policy Analysis
  • Issue Number: 162
  • Publisher: Cato Institute

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Competitive bidding; Federal aid; Federal assistance programs; Federal government; Finance; Governments; Private enterprise; Public transit; Subsidies; Transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Federal programs
• Subject Areas: Finance; Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00619126
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 29 1992 12:00AM