What value does political science bring to understanding transport policy? Insights from the Handbook of Transportation and Public Policy

Our Handbook’s assembly of research findings on the ways that policymaking can affect transportation outcomes highlights the influence of government and politics as forces that shape mobility. Through mindful consideration and dialogue, those who study transportation can learn from those who study policymaking and vice versa. This chapter highlights the ways in which politics influence transportation decisions and outcomes through the allocation of authority and resources to advance certain transportation options over other alternatives. It also considers how governmental structures can enable or constrain collaboration and partnerships among public and private agents in delivering transportation options. Some contributions explore contestation at the project or agency level, where the capability to advance goals such as equity, efficiency, or sustainability can vary based on the political efficacy of participants. Our contributors provide ample evidence that the study of politics and policy in transportation can yield insights into improving outcomes.