Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Friday Video

Friday Video: Sean Duffy’s ‘Great American Road Trip’ Should Include Trains

Give me highways or give me death!

Photo: US DOT|

Sean Duffy looks under the hood of our transportation system … and sees only cars.

Give me highways or give me death!

U.S. Transportation Secretary and former MTV personality Sean Duffy recently launched the first "Great American Road Trip" at a Washington pep rally that was part rhapsody to car culture, part trade show, part travelogue — and in all ways, an invitation to more state-sponsored driving.

But many American urbanites — and a majority of New Yorkers — don't want to own a car to enjoy what Duffy rightly calls our beautiful country. But the GOP highwayman didn't offer any alternatives.

It's not entirely his fault: Amtrak isn't ideal; it's slow (New York City to Montreal in ... 12 hours!), it's frequently delayed (freight comes first!); and often doesn't go to vacation destinations ("Next stop, Elmira!"). Decades of subsidizing driving (in the name of “freedom”) has left America’s rail service far behind that of countries all over the world, leaving New Yorkers with fewer choices for long-distance transportation. 

Which brings us to today's video, in which City Nerd Ray Delahanty interviewed former Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg for his thoughts on how American rail travel could be improved.

And it ain't by building more highways:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Waste of Time: Full-Salaried NYPD Cops Now Needed to Enforce the Unprotected Bedford Avenue Bike Lane

Streets that are properly designed — with bike lanes that can't be blocked or narrower lanes in which drivers can't speed — don't need squads of cops to hand out tickets.

August 7, 2025

NYC Could Have Its First Car-Free Neighborhood (But Won’t Get It Due To Revanchist Pols)

Creedmoor should not become just another mixed-use development, but, instead, become America’s next great neighborhood.

Northern Disclosure: Canada’s Road Laws Could Help Save U.S. Lives

The U.S. would be safer if we implemented some of Canada's most common roadway laws — but the politics are complicated.

August 7, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Vanderbilt to Last Edition

We had a lot of problems with a New York Magazine story that forgot the benefits of open streets and outdoor dining. Plus other news.

August 7, 2025

Construction Begins On Deliverista Hub Highlighting Need For More Infrastructure

It's one small hub for a few humans, but what's needed is a giant leap for humankind.

August 6, 2025

It’s Back! 34th Street Busway Revived In Midtown Rezoning Deal

The Adams administration has agreed to create a 34th Street busway as part an agreement to rezone a slice of Midtown.

August 6, 2025
See all posts