What cures traffic jams? Supply and demand!
At least that’s what researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are claiming. Their idea is to use some combination of GPS or RFID to track then cars enter into a congestion area. If vehicles enter during peak times, they would have to pay more in tolls than if they go through off-peak times. So drive into work at 8:00am? Pay $.25 per mile. Drive into work at 2:00am? It’s only $.10 per mile.
It’s an interesting idea, but I personally worry about a couple of things. Ultimately, what happens to all the data people collect about where I’m going when? What would keep outside parties from having access to that data? Finally, I’m not sure driving times are really responsive to market forces. I can’t easily choose an entry time more economical to my budget because, well, my employer says I have to be into work by 9:00am or get fired. If you triple the toll during that natural travel time, I’ll just have to pay triple. Unless my employer allows for complete hours flexibility, I’m not sure this is going to have much of a real impact (other than better roads from increased toll incomes).
3 Replies to “What cures traffic jams? Supply and demand!”
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Well, it has been 2 or three years since London implemented their congestion charging – http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4440190/ – and I don’t think their world entirely ended, yet.
And if it does cost you (a tiny bit more) to drive a four wheeled vehicle in this area, maybe you would consider doing something more socially responsible, such as taking a bus, train, a bicycle, or even your shoes. I really don’t think that that charge is even significant given the cost of the vehicle, the insurance, the gas, and the time spent in an overly congested network!
That is so true! Supply and Demand..