Congestion clears a path for commuter programs

U.S. commuters are facing increased traffic bottlenecks, placing growing pressure on transport agencies to provide transit alternatives and promote their use. In a recent study of 68 urban areas, the Texas Transportation Institute estimated that the cost of traffic congestion, as measured by lost time and wasted fuel, rose from $21 billion in 1982, to $78 billion in 1999. According to the FHWA, highway travel increased by 80% from 1980-2000, while the number of drivers increased by 30% during this period. At the same time, highway capacity grew by only 2%, the prime cause underlying the concurrent increase in traffic congestion. Without the possibility of a boom in highway capacity, local transport agencies must continue to address traffic congestion as a behavioral issue. This article focuses on efforts by several U.S. communities to employ a broad range of incentives to induce drivers to rely more on light rail/buses, carpools, bicycles, and walking to satisfy their urban transport and commuting needs.