Chinese Silk Railroad Ambitions

China has become the world's workshop and Europe has an insatiable appetite for its exports. Most now arrive on giant container ships. But as ports become clogged and delivery times critical, China is once again looking to the old land routes across Asia

Keeping The Dream on Track

A silver and white Bullet train rolled out of Beijing on its maiden journey. It was a proud moment for China, the inauguration of the world's longest high-speed rail line, running from the north to south of China, from Beijing to Guangzhou

Mass Transit Cleans up Its Act

The use of alternative fuels in passenger cars is still being questioned, but one unexpected place where alternative-fuel use is gaining traction is in the transit bus sector.

Mass Transit: Move America to Work

One key to any prosperous economy is a transportation system that works -- that allows workers to get to their jobs and goods to move efficiently. But this essential economic building block is now under severe pressure. What should be getting stronger is getting weaker -- and our economy will suffer the consequences

Going Green Is Good Business

Denver might not be the first place one would think to look for examples of progressive urban development. But the energy-centric city has become a leader in areas of transit, housing, and energy efficiency, thanks to a succession of effective leaders. Mayor John Hickenlooper talks about how Denver has become a place where energy conservation and development mix well.

Stuttering Start for Electric Cars

You might get the impression, over the next year or so, that driving as you know it will never be the same again. The electric vehicle, you see, is about to arrive. The much-heralded Chevrolet Volt, able to travel up to 40 miles on a battery charged through a household outlet, is set to go on sale late this year. So is the Nissan Leaf, with a range of up to 100 miles

High-Speed Rail Losers

President Obama announced the recipients of an $8 billion plan to develop high-speed rail throughout the country. In his State of the Union address, the president touted one of the biggest grants: $1.25 billion to begin construction of a high-speed line connecting Tampa and Orlando. But there's a wrinkle in the president's announcement: Most of the $8 billion is not going to high-speed rail.

Good Airline Fees? Some Are Worth the Money

This isn't another story about airlines and their misguided fees. It's about the surcharges that are worth paying -- and why you should consider saying, 'yes' to them. That's right, I said 'worth it.' While many fees are outrageous, some aren't entirely out of line.

Fast Trains Are Cool ... and Very Expensive

Of all the ways Florida could blow through $1.25 billion in federal recovery funds, a bullet train is certainly the flashiest. Connecting Tampa, Orlando and Miami by high-speed rail is a scheme that's been chugging around for decades, and the prospects for profitability are the same today as they always were: nil.

'People Movers' Ease Airport Hassles

Dulles inaugurated its new billion-dollar 'people mover,' and it should make life a lot easier for you whether you live in the area, visit the area, or have to change planes there. Dulles joins a number of other airports around the United States -- and the world -- that offer an easier and more convenient alternative to trekking through endless corridors or schlepping on and off buses

FedEx and UPS Feud Over Union Rules

The country's two largest private package-delivery companies, UPS and FedEx, have their horns locked in battle on Capitol Hill over the patchwork of laws that determine the rights workers have to form unions.

Break Political Traffic Jam on Transportation Overhaul

Any transportation project, including the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere" in Alaska, creates jobs. However, transportation has become a policy orphan amid the healthcare tsunami that's overwhelmed the news coverage of Obama's America. Thus, stalling all the economic benefits that flow from enacting a revitalized transportation policy.

Ray LaHood: 'Transformational' Time for U.S. Transit System

Four months into his new position as secretary of transportation, Ray LaHood has a great deal on his plate. Given everything that is going on right now, is this a watershed moment for transportation?