Ideas for Action: The Spirit of Innovation in Transportation Conference. Held in Cambridge, Massachusetts on June 24-25, 1999

摘要

Our transportation system is the world's safest and most efficient. This system carries more people and goods safer, cheaper, faster, and better than ever before. Transportation is the engine running our economic growth. It accounts for $1.3 trillion, or 17 percent, of our gross domestic product-- and its contribution will only grow in the future. If transportation is the engine for growth, then transportation innovations are key to sustaining that growth in the next century. Just as the Interstate Highway System connected our country in the 20th century, the intelligent transportation infrastructure now being built will connect the world in the 21st century. High-speed rail, maglev systems, and fuel-cell ships will add capacity while preserving the environment. Reusable launch vehicles will lower significantly the costs of exploration and commerce in space. Ultimately, micro- and nano-technologies will make dramatically improved materials and vehicles possible-- revolutionizing not just transportation but our entire society. These technological innovations will be major forces shaping transportation in the 21st century. They will ensure our competitiveness, enhance our environment, maintain security, and most important, save lives. How can we lay the groundwork for these changes. What can we do today to further the next century's transportation innovations.