The field of contemporary transportation science has its roots in two distinct disciplines: the mathematical theory of traffic flow and neoclassical microeconomics. Both disciplines share similar epistemic properties, meaning they rely on specific assumptions and utilise statistical methods to calculate forecasts. This methodological background is well suited to the needs of governance, meaning that ultimately, transportation scientists serve the bureaucracy rather than the people. Furthermore, the discipline's history shows a century-long, car-friendly epistemological foundation that is hardly applicable to current issues. I would also argue that many modern problems are the result of these methods being applied in the first place. This contribution aims to provide an overview of transportation science, engage with empirical findings that challenge theory, and discuss ways to alleviate negative impacts.