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It’s generally accepted that more lanes does not equal less traffic, and can often lead to the opposite effect due to the effect of induced demand [1]. I person

It’s generally accepted that more lanes does not equal less traffic, and can often lead to the opposite effect due to the effect of induced demand [1]. I personally believe providing multiple alternative transport options is more effective but obviously that’s a matter of opinion... [1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induced_demand https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induced_demand

soup10 7y ago
By that logic we shouldn't upgrade internet infrastructure either.
- geofft 7y ago
  The implicit context of this argument is that space is limited and we can't indefinitely expand roads. We almost certainly can indefinitely lay more fiber. That said, the logic does apply to wireless spectrum, which is a limited resource. If we allocate enough spectrum that people can replace wired connections, there will definitely be significant and unsustainable demand for even more bands.
  - ec109685 7y ago
    With wireless, you can decrease the number of folks served per station to increase effective bandwidth in an area. And the idea you can’t build lanes to reduce traffic assumes there is always enough demand to fill up those lanes.
tidenly 7y ago
Serious question but is there a reason more isn't invested in public transport? I've only ever lived in the UK before Tokyo but America is rich enough I don't see why they can't do what those places do.
- mschuster91 7y ago
  Simple: sprawl and ultra low density. Public transport thrives in areas where a single bus stop serves hundreds or more of people, but in rural areas it's cost-prohibitive.
- brewdad 7y ago
  Because a nickel of my tax dollars might go to help someone else. Can't have that. I'm a rugged individualist surviving completely on my own in a country of 350 million people.
  - someguydave 7y ago
    Why can't people cooperate outside of government?
- beowulfey 7y ago
  The major reason seems to be a lack of cultural support. Despite everything, people still largely dislike the idea of public transit. I read a very good article that said to generate interest, transit must preemptively provide better service... its a catch 22

soup10 7y ago

By that logic we shouldn't upgrade internet infrastructure either.

geofft 7y ago
The implicit context of this argument is that space is limited and we can't indefinitely expand roads. We almost certainly can indefinitely lay more fiber. That said, the logic does apply to wireless spectrum, which is a limited resource. If we allocate enough spectrum that people can replace wired connections, there will definitely be significant and unsustainable demand for even more bands.
- ec109685 7y ago
  With wireless, you can decrease the number of folks served per station to increase effective bandwidth in an area. And the idea you can’t build lanes to reduce traffic assumes there is always enough demand to fill up those lanes.

tidenly 7y ago

Serious question but is there a reason more isn't invested in public transport? I've only ever lived in the UK before Tokyo but America is rich enough I don't see why they can't do what those places do.

mschuster91 7y ago
Simple: sprawl and ultra low density. Public transport thrives in areas where a single bus stop serves hundreds or more of people, but in rural areas it's cost-prohibitive.
brewdad 7y ago
Because a nickel of my tax dollars might go to help someone else. Can't have that. I'm a rugged individualist surviving completely on my own in a country of 350 million people.
- someguydave 7y ago
  Why can't people cooperate outside of government?
beowulfey 7y ago
The major reason seems to be a lack of cultural support. Despite everything, people still largely dislike the idea of public transit. I read a very good article that said to generate interest, transit must preemptively provide better service... its a catch 22