Ray LaHood Answers Your Questions in This Month’s “On The Go”

Last month, Streetsblog put the word out that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood would be fielding questions from readers. You submitted your questions. And today, the answers are in.

This is the second time LaHood’s office has reached out to Streetsblog readers for a Q&A in his monthly video segment, “On the Go.” Like last time, more answers will be published on the U.S. DOT blog, which we’ll also run here tomorrow morning.

In the video clip, LaHood gives updates on high-speed rail, the success of the TIGER grant program in promoting livable cities (including place like Dubuque, IA), and other issues raised by our readers.

Asked about major programs to promote pedestrian and bicyclist safety, LaHood touted U.S. DOT’s support for bike-share systems and rails-to-trails projects, but stopped short of forecasting what the future holds for such federal investments. The program often used to help fund bike-share systems, Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ), is slated for something of an overhaul in the reauthorization process, and other important programs like Safe Routes to School, Transportation Enhancements, and Recreational Trails face an uncertain future.

You can view the May edition of “On the Go” above, or read the companion post on DOT’s blog, The Fast Lane.