Congress: Cut red tape in highway, transit project process
The Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman made comments during hearing focused on the need for improvements to the laws and regulations governing project delivery to accelerate the process and save taxpayers' money.
During a Congressional hearing Tuesday, Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman John J. Duncan Jr. (R-TN) called for cutting the red tape in the cumbersome highways and transit project approval process. The hearing focused on the need for improvements to the laws and regulations governing project delivery to accelerate the process and save taxpayers' money.
The Subcommittee is working to develop a reauthorization of surface transportation programs, and speeding up the project approval process will be one of the goals of the bill. Subcommittee and Full Committee Members have already begun conducting a series of public hearings and forums around the country seeking ideas for a streamlined, innovative and fiscally responsible bill.
The following is Chairman Duncan's statement from the hearing:
"We are meeting this morning to receive federal, state and local input for streamlining the surface transportation project delivery process. There has never been a greater need for your professional advice and expertise. We have to get this right, and we need your help to do it.
"As the reauthorization of the federal surface transportation programs moves forward, the Committee will be looking at potential reforms to the project delivery process.
"Funding for infrastructure is harder to come by with each passing day, so we must find ways to do more with less.
"According to the 'Highway Planning and Project Development Process' timeline put together by the Federal Highway Administration, the project delivery process can take up to 15 years from planning through construction.
"Limited financial resources for transportation infrastructure can be more effectively utilized by speeding up the process for project approval. SAFETEA-LU made small, focused changes to the existing project delivery process and we have seen some improvement in delivery times as our witnesses will testify.
"For example, the State of California participated in the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Pilot Program, which allows FHWA to delegate its responsibilities for NEPA to the State. Through this delegation pilot program, California has been able to shave approximately 17 months off of the approval process for a standard transportation project.
"While these improvements are a good start, we must do more.
"With the Highway Trust Fund unable to keep up with infrastructure demands and with states facing dire financial situations, the time is right to take a hard look at the existing process. There is no silver bullet for speeding up the delivery of transportation projects, but we simply must do better."
More Bus

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters
The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.
Read More →
Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →
When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.
Read More →
Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference
The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.
Read More →
Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin
Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan
Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.
Read More →A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →
WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign
The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.
Read More →