Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Talking Headways

Talking Headways Podcast: Those Roads Won’t Pay for Themselves

podcast icon logo
false

This week we’re joined by Kevin DeGood of the Center for American Progress, who along with Andrew Schwartz recently wrote a report called Advancing a Multimodal Transportation System by Eliminating Funding Restrictions. Sound too wonky? I call it the "Roads Don’t Pay for Themselves Report."

When approximately 5.5 percent of roads carry 55 percent of the traffic, you would expect them to support themselves. But even with conservative accounting, this report shows that’s just not true, especially in urban areas with larger maintenance costs.

We also get into the concept of "user fees," national transportation politics, and the prospect of "devolving" transportation funding to the states, which is a hot topic these days.

Take a listen to this week’s pod and please think multi-modally! And if you enjoy the show, give us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, where you can subscribe to get each week’s episode automatically.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Monday’s Headlines

NIMBY's React to SB 79, Yes on 50 Gaining, More Trump v CA

October 27, 2025

How State-Level ISA Bills Are Gaining Ground in a Polarized America

Ten lessons from the front lines of the battle for speed limiter laws.

October 26, 2025

This Bill Would Help America Build More Housing Near Transit

A bipartisan group is pushing a policy to incentivize transit-oriented development across the country.

October 26, 2025

The Week in Short Video at SBCAL/SBLA

No Kings! Yes Toronto Barrier Bike Lanes! Yes Bikes on Trains! Yes on 50!

October 24, 2025

Friday’s Headlines

Why does it always take a tragedy?

October 24, 2025
See all posts