Let’s talk about government spending, electric cars, and why high-speed rail projects keep swallowing billions without laying much track.
EV Charging Stations: What’s Taking So Long?
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy is pointing fingers at his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, for the sluggish rollout of EV charging stations. According to Duffy, Buttigieg’s complex spending criteria—focused on “green initiatives” and “social justice”—made it nearly impossible to get things done.
So, what’s the damage? Only 58 charging stations have been built so far, despite billions allocated for the project. That’s not exactly what you’d call a “nationwide network.” Meanwhile, $3 billion still remains unspent, and Duffy says they’re changing the rules to speed things up.
But here’s the kicker: Shouldn’t the private sector be handling this instead of the government? Duffy raised that question, and it’s something to think about. If EVs are the future, why aren’t companies rushing to install charging stations the way gas stations popped up for traditional cars?
California’s High-Speed Rail: A $100 Billion Headache
Remember that ambitious California high-speed rail project voters approved back in 2008? Well, it’s still in limbo, and the cost has ballooned by over $100 billion. Duffy, who was in LA last week, announced an audit to figure out where all that money went.
His blunt assessment? “Nothing’s been built.” Despite $2.6 billion in federal funding and another $4 billion from the Biden administration, there’s barely any progress.
“Who got rich on this project?” Duffy asked. Good question.
Meanwhile, a separate Las Vegas to Los Angeles high-speed rail project seems more promising, mainly because private investors are actually interested. The takeaway? When there’s real demand, money moves.
Air Travel: Fixing Outdated Systems & Addressing Crashes
If you’ve been following recent aviation mishaps, you might be wondering what’s up. Duffy says each crash had different causes, but one glaring issue is outdated air traffic control technology—some of which still relies on floppy disks (yes, really) and 1980s-era headsets.
The Trump administration plans to modernize the system and put a stronger emphasis on hiring based on merit rather than quotas. Hopefully, that means safer and more efficient air travel.
Younger Truck Drivers to Solve Supply Chain Issues?
The U.S. is desperate for more truck drivers, and Duffy’s team is considering lowering the age requirement for commercial drivers under 21—provided they are “responsible, mature, and qualified.” The idea is to ease supply chain issues while ensuring safety on the roads.
The Bottom Line?
There’s a lot of money being poured into transportation projects, but not all of it seems to be working. With EV stations lagging, high-speed rail stuck in limbo, and air traffic control systems still living in the ‘80s, Duffy’s job is cut out for him.
But the real question remains: Is government the best driver for these projects, or should the private sector take the wheel?
Let’s hear your thoughts! Should the government keep funding EV chargers and rail projects, or should private companies step up? Reply and let me know.
