Update on Caltrans

We led last issue (TR#6, Aug 96) with Caltrans’ Carl Williams call for a re-evaluation of the hOV-lane concept. Williams submitted the article to TR News the monthly publication of the Transp Research Board (TRB) in Washington DC six months ago. If the TRB had an interest in serious debate of transport policy in America they would have made this itneresting, substantial and important piece the lread story in the next issue, editorialized that it was an important piece, and invoted resposnes. By now e could have ahd a productive debate about HOV. But half a year ahs passed and Williams is fuming over a long obscurely addressed letter he ahs just received from the TRB querying his article ona score of minor points and demanding explanations, justifications, reworks etc.

TRB has a policy agenda and any questioning of existing transit/HOV policies is only published by its current staff with the greatest reluctance. There’s a double standard. Those who toe the party line (pro-collectivist trnasport, anti-auto) can get anything in, easily and quickly, while other are put to slow-motion semantic combat with pedants. Outright rejection would be too blatant an exercise of censorship. Instead it is editorial exhaustion — months of delays, pseudo-scientism, picky editorial questions, play peer review. 2 out of 3 reviewers at TRB, we’re told, suggested Woilliams’ piece be published as submitted, but disgracefully staff used one review with questions to block it.

Williams say he cannot be bothered anymore with the TRB and will get the piece published eslewhere, so look for it some place likie ENR. Incidentally Williams is now Dep Sec of Cal’s Business Transp and Housing Agency. It voersees Caltrans (Contact Carl Williams 916 323 5412)