This report discusses the surface transportation system in the United States. It argues that surface transportation is at a crossroads. Its bridges, highways and public transit systems are aging and deteriorating. Deaths from traffic accidents are continuing. Traffic congestion causes traffic delays in cities and rural areas alike. The country does not invest enough in all modes of transportation - including railroads, bus travel, water transportation, and automobile travel - to meet future demand. The nation's economic leadership in the world will not be forceful enough if freight transportation is not reliable or efficient. Transportation decisions are politically based, which can get in the way of effective decision making. The report discusses the investments necessary to make the nation's transportation system more effective and efficient, and thus keep the United States' role as a world leader. Transportation investments are crucial to highways, public transit, passenger railroads and freight railroads.