Mobility not the Object at USDOT?

There’s something odd about the babble out of the public affairs office of USDOT. Lots of feel-good politically correct verbiage about safety, livability, opportunities etc but almost nothing about mobility. Yet mobility is the prime objective of transport, one would think. It is the ability to get oneself and others in the household around, and to move stuff (goods), which is at the heart of the demand for transport and which is the central goal, surely, of a department of transport.

In paying tribune to Bill Shultz, a retiring PR flack, Sec Rodney Slater referred to Shultz’ skill in communicating “our commitment to safety, investment in the future and continuing opportunities for all Americans.” Nothing there about any commitment to enhancing mobility or the efficiency of the transport system?

“Having a hand in making this nation safer, more livable and with greater opportunities for all people has been an experience I will always treasure,” said Shultz. Again, these are all side-issues, for without the need for efficient transport and mobility there would be no accidents and no need for a safety policy, and there would be no need for ‘investments’ or for equity considerations.

Slater described the departing Shultz as the department’s “chief public affairs strategist and spokesperson.” The guy was unable to see the wood for the trees.