One critical issue I felt strongly about was traffic. I felt that it was unpleasant to be stuck in traffic and remain stationary. This overlaps with the section on serving a growing and shifting population. Megaregions and concentration of growth in these regions is results in extreme traffic congestion, with both passenger and freight transportation facing the aforementioned congestion. This concern is a very common topic, and the main factor in solving it is considering the cost-effectiveness and utility of any policy that aims to improve internal megaregion travel and connectivity of megaregions to the rest of the world.
I also came up with some critical issues that could be categorized under system performance and asset management. I found it unpleasant when transport networks were only connected at certain nodes, and you would have to take an indirect way around to get to your destination. I also prefer fewer changes of modes for convenience as a commuter. Expanding transport systems to accommodate these conveniences requires funding, and one of the issues with this is balancing a fixed budget between building new facilities and maintaining old ones.
A critical issue I had not considered before is the transportation around areas between urban centers within megaregions. Coming from Singapore to Berkeley, I have not have the experience of living in a small town that does not have extensive public transportation. However, there is a possibility that I may have that experience in the future. Also, with the trend of Millenials living around urban centers and Baby Boomers in suburbs or rural areas, I am unsure of what these imply but am interested to learn more.
Janelle Lee Hui Qin 