Delays ahead

摘要

The biggest shift in transport policy since the 1950s is due, supposedly, this summer. February's stimulus package provided about $48 billion for transport, a pittance in comparison. As The Economist went to press on June 18th James Oberstar, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, was about to present a blueprint for a new transport bill. The old act expires on September 30th; the new one would span six years and authorise $500 billion in spending. More important, the money would be spent differently. The way Americans move and live might change too.rnThe trouble with a bold, $500 billion plan is that it requires $500 billion. The Highway Trust Fund provides federal money for transport. It will be broke by late August. On June 17th Ray LaHood, the transport secretary, said that he wants to postpone the bill's reauthorisation.