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Center for Transportation

Launched in 2006, The Center for Transportation Policy researches and analyzes the best practices for relieving traffic congestion by recapturing a vision of a system based on freedom of movement. Key aspects of this vision include reducing structural barriers that drive up costs, linking congestion relief with spending, improving accountability and transparency with the Department of Transportation and other local, state and federal transportation agencies.

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The Facts on Light Rail: A Comparative Analysis of Light Rail Systems in Six West Coast Cities

by Michael Ennis
Director, Center for Transportation

As Washington cities consider whether light rail is right for them, this study on the performance of the six existing systems on the West Coast provides factual, real life examples of what taxpayers could expect here. Policymakers and the public should consider whether diverting transportation taxes away from other programs and services is worth the opportunity costs. Based on the data, this analysis concludes that it is not. Read the full study online here >>

Watch Transportation Director Michael Ennis present key findings in his recent policy brief, The Facts on Light Rail, to a neighborhood forum on the Columbia River Crossing in Vancouver.

This article in The Columbian features a story on the Vancouver forum and references several of the study’s key findings.

Five Principles of Responsible Transportation Policy

Washington Policy Center encourages five principles of responsible transportation policy to help guide policymakers in returning to a system that provides people’s freedom of movement.

  1. Tie spending to congestion relief
  2. Respect people’s freedom of mobility
  3. Invest resources based on market demand
  4. Improve freight mobility
  5. Use Public/Private Partnerships

Read the legislative memo here. You can also view or download the brochure here.

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The Center for Transportation Policy

Launched in 2006, The Center for Transportation Policy researches and analyzes the best practices for relieving traffic congestion by recapturing a vision of a system based on freedom of movement. Key aspects of this vision include reducing structural barriers that drive up costs, linking congestion relief with spending, improving accountability and transparency with the Department of Transportation and other local, state and federal transportation agencies. Mike Ennis

Director Michael Ennis

Michael Ennis is the Director of the Center of Transportation Policy. Before joining Washington Policy Center, he worked for the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives and was formerly a staff assistant for U.S. Senator Slade Gorton. Michael served in the U.S. Army with the 2nd Ranger Battalion and is active in local government affairs. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and his Master's of Public Administration degree from the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs also at the University of Washington.

Contact Information

For questions or for more information from the Center for Transportation please e-mail mennis@washingtonpolicy.org.

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