That’s the title of another article in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal report, “One Billion Cars.” The WSJ has stumbled onto a truth that, so far, has eluded Virginia pundits and policy makers.
Until recently, expanding highways and roads has been the traditional response to congestion. But in many areas of the world, such expansion isn’t feasible anymore because of lack of funding, opposition from residents or simply lack of room.
The WSJ highlights a variety of transportation alternatives that are being explored around the world. They include (with cutesy WSJ subheads):
- Rubbing out Rubbernecking. Accidents and stalled cars breed rubbernecking and congestion. Many communities are investing in “incident management” capabilities to get those cars off the roads as quickly as possible.
- Car-Road Talk. Better traffic light sequencing can move more cars through the same fixed roadway.
- Paying for a Lane. HOT lanes and congestion pricing will encourage some drivers to find alternatives to driving alone during during periods of peak demand.
- Alternative-Transit Bonus. Encourage employees to carpool, use mass transit or telecommute through subsidies, vouchers and ride-matching websites.
- Quick Notice for Drivers. Provide drivers with more real-time information about traffic conditions so they can steer clear of gridlock.
Bacon’s Rebellion has explored each of these alternatives. My point in quoting the Wall Street Journal is to make it clear that these aren’t quirky ideas advanced by some eccentric blogger. Other people around the world are pursuing these ideas. Even the Virginia Department of Transportation is pursuing them. Unfortunately, the Traffic Light Sequencing lobby and the Carpooling lobby in Virginia can’t mobilize millions of dollars in campaign contributions, so, when it comes to funding, their ideas don’t get much of a hearing.
