Does the Interstate Highway System count ($425 US, in 2006 dollars)? It was originally conceived to assist in the mobility of the army, IIRC...

Unfortunately, the public at-large does not understand that R&D is bound to have dead-ends/failures or temporary setbacks. It's impractical to aim for a technological bulls-eye every time

Where are the mass-transit systems when you need once the most?

Ray Wert will need this schematic in order to successfully dragon the Mazda3.

FWIW, the Minneapolis-St Paul LRT system might not be that extensive right now but it looks as if they will be building it up pretty extensively. Plus there's that plan to re-introduce the streetcar system...

MARTA tried to get some more funding with that T-SPLOST vote last August, but tbh a lot of citizens had questions as to how well it would work out. Maybe it's time to bring in zee Germans for some rapid transit expertise

On the flip-side, what about seriously boosting R&D spending at government labs and on the private sector side? I was lucky enough to attend an event hosted by Don Hillebrand (one of the directors at Argonne National Labs, now SAE President), discussed the various automotive/transportation research initiatives he's…

My question is why couldn't there be more funds set aside for R&D at the DoE (and other agency labs), in addition/in lieu of the AVTM? Is it just because of the spending-averse political climate, or because the lack of private-sector 'job creation' looks bad in a struggling economy?

Don't forget the grope-downs!

In the two years that I lived in Atlanta, I can say I've taken the Green/Blue lines a total of ONE time. I ended up walking back due to how completely weak it was

The Miami Metrorail has been a source of frustration in the couple of times I've had to ride it.

Guys, before you start clamoring that this is Optimus Prime's evil twin, you're completely wrong. He doesn't have an evil beard

Since NEXT is an ion engine, in order for spacecraft to reach a meaningful velocity (think: deep space missions) you have to keep it running pretty much 100% of the time; since they generate a very, very small quantity of thrust. It would probably be used in conjunction with a much smaller propulsion system that's…

My best guess is, Detroit (aka the heart of the US auto industry).

I'm sure the mayor would love to stop and frisk this guy...

Uhh...what? Did we just completely forget about a little event known as the housing bubble?

So uh...do light-rail vehicles count as being 'zero emission?'

Speaking of engine iginition systems...I for one look forward to the day of laser-spark ignition!

First, Rick Snyder. Second, Ryan Gosling. Now even Whole Foods wants 'The D!'
Okay, I'll stop perpetuating my old-ass joke. But in all seriousness, it's nice to have a take on things that isn't hyper-sensationalized.

I get what you're trying to argue, but what about what about passengers on the phone? I'm in favor of better driver training over punitive punishments, I've got a post buried in this thread somewhere if you want to bounce ideas back/forth