Independence Institute

California HSR Already Over Projected Costs 0
- TRANSPORTATION - Miscellaneous
- August 10, 2011
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has finally admitted that its insanely expensive rail project will be even more insanely expensive than its official projections. The most recent cost estimates for the “train to nowhere”–the first link of the project from north of Bakersfield to south of Merced–are 40 to 96 percent higher (depending on the […]
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Now, This Is Ridiculous 0
- TRANSPORTATION - Miscellaneous
- August 9, 2011
What’s the most ridiculous zoning rule or decision you’ve ever heard of? Here’s a candidate: Alexandria, Virginia (which wants a Portland-like streetcar) has told property owners in one neighborhood that replacement of rusty chain-link fences violates the city’s historic preservation ordinance. “While many feel that [chain-link] fences have negative connotations, this material has played an […]
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Let the Gas Tax Expire 0
- TRANSPORTATION - Miscellaneous
- August 8, 2011
The Antiplanner has written several recent posts about Congressional reauthorization of transportation spending. But an even more imminent transportation reauthorization deadline is coming up: that for transportation revenue in the form of gas taxes. The law allowing such taxes is due to expire on September 30. Recalcitrant Republicans held airline ticket taxes hostage for several […]
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Obama Undercuts Case for HSR and Rail Transit 0
- TRANSPORTATION - Miscellaneous
- August 4, 2011
President Obama has ordered the auto industry to make cars that average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. This is after his 2009 order directing the industry to make cars that average 34.5 miles per gallon by 2016. As a free-market advocate, I should be outraged that Obama is ordering private enterprise around like a […]
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