Archive: Columns
How To Improve U.S. Passenger Rail, Pt. 2
It starts with expanding right-of-way—ideally in a manner that requires minimal eminent domain
How To Improve U.S. Passenger Rail, Pt. 1
While trends and gimmicks are sometimes proposed to bolster rail in America, it may require much simpler steps—namely open competition with Amtrak
“Open Access” Competition Can Improve Intercity Rail
European countries are turning to the market to run rail service. Can America follow?
Does Arizona’s Parking-Free “Culdesac” Have a Future?
A development in Tempe will ban cars in favor of micro-mobility. Can the model spread to other cities?
How “National Landing” Will Affect Urban Development
The fast-growing NoVa neighborhood, bolstered by Amazon HQ2, mixes the ingenuities and moral hazards of America’s biggest institutions.
Modular 2.0: How Prefab Housing Is Making a Comeback
Offsite construction may be the fastest way to build housing cheaply
Should the Federal Government Launch “Rural 5G?”
Rural broadband programs are viewed as an essential investment. But they subsidize an unsustainable lifestyle
Can Tolls Really Fund Road and Infrastructure Expansion?
Tolls can be a better solution for financing roads and taking liabilities off taxpayers.
Freight Modernization Trends Accommodate Rail’s Growth
Innovations in train safety, power, and scheduling keep freight rail relevant—and face labor and political opposition
Hyperloop’s Potential for Revolutionizing Freight
Hyperloop developers are promising to make freight transport faster. Do the economics work?
Why Aren’t West Coast Ports Booming?
Gulf and East Coast labor and economic policies drive port activity up to West Coast levels
The Next Sharing Economy: Extended-stay Lodging
Long-term leases don’t make sense for certain renters. But neither do short-term rentals. Will the market be allowed to fill the need in-between?