§5501 National Intermodal Transportation System Policy

Summary

Requires the U.S. Government to create a National Intermodal Transportation System that is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, helps the country compete globally, and moves people and goods using less energy. The system must link all kinds of travel now and in the future, cut energy use and air pollution, and support economic development. It includes a National Highway System (including the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways and major roads needed for interstate travel, defense, intermodal transfers, and border crossings). It must improve public transit to help air quality, save energy, boost competitiveness, and increase mobility for older people, people with disabilities, and low-income populations in cities and rural areas. The system should improve access to ports and airports, focus on productivity and social benefits like less pollution and congestion, be run with innovation, competition, energy efficiency, and accountability, avoid the long delays and high costs of past highway projects, and be ready for new technologies (for example, smart vehicles and magnetic levitation) when practical. Funding can come from the Highway Trust Fund and may include help to states and local governments to meet mobility goals. The Secretary of Transportation must give every Department employee a copy of this policy and post it in all Department offices.