Highways and Modal Choice Decisions

The social consequences of modal choice decisions are such that it is not possible or desirable to provide all of the highway capacity that is needed to accommodate the commuters who want to use the one-person-per-car travel mode. The only solution lies in changing the modal choice decisions of commuters by the agencies responsible for providing highways. The basic cause of the problem is the high percentage of commuters who use the one-person-per-car travel mode. The solutions lie in providing alternates such as incentives for carpooling and improved bus service. The success of projects underway shows that modal choice decisions can be significantly changed and to do so requires the cooperation of highway agencies and transit interests.