The United States transportation system is plagued by inefficiencies that hinder the movement of goods and people. Clifford Winston, a noted economist, proposes a radical overhaul through deregulation and privatization, arguing these measures will significantly improve performance across all modes of transport. The book examines specific sectors including roads, airports, air traffic control, mass transit, intercity buses, and railway networks, detailing the inefficiencies and outlining the potential benefits of market-based reforms.

The book is presented as a policy proposal, offering specific experiments in deregulation and privatization for the nation's transportation systems. The author's focus is on improving performance and efficiency through market-based solutions. The scope covers a wide array of transportation infrastructure, from roads and railways to air and bus networks. The text aims to provide a framework for systemic change within the sector.