BEIJING, 9 MAY 2007--Anyone questioning China's potential to become the dominant player in the 21st century and beyond need look no further than the Beijing Transportation Information Center. The entrepreneurial leader of the center, Mr. WANG gang, has lead the development of the most innovative system for managing traffic congestion I've seen, putting U.S. systems to shame and leapfrogging over London's cutting edge signal coordinatin system. Rather than try to regulate congestion by limiting automobile use, they have figured out a way to use technology to make its use more efficient.
Congestion
Big Dig Moves Congestion to Suburbs
Since its completion, Boston's Big Dig freeway project has succeeded in reducing congestion downtown, but new figures show the congestion has merely moved out of the central city into suburban areas.
The Boston Globe
Chicago Region Loses Billions Each Year Thanks to Traffic Congestion
A new report from the Metropolitan Planning Council pegs the annual cost of congestion to the Chicago region at $7.3 billion.
Streetsblog
Moscow Tops List of World's Most Expensive Cities
Moscow tops an annual ranking of the world's most expensive cities. The survey examines housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment for corporations and government agencies determining living costs for expats.
Forbes
In Congestion Fight, Market Trumps Policy
Despite efforts by politicians to enact policies that reduce congestion, the biggest improvements in traffic reduction appear to be tied to rising gas prices and tolls, according to data from New York.
The New York Times
Freeway Expansion Leads to Increased Traffic
A year after a new freeway was completed in Southern California, traffic data shows increased use. Officials plan to widen the freeway to handle the increased load.
The San Bernardino Sun
U.S. Rail Network Facing Traffic Woes
Freight trains already face serious traffic on the nation's network of rails. If nothing is done, insiders project disaster in the near future.
Associated Press
Broad Road Tolling Plan Eyed As Seattle Traffic Solution
A recent report argues that tolls could provide the solution to Seattle's traffic congestion, but they would have to be very high, and very widely used.
The Seattle Times
San Francisco Aims To Give Parking A Technological Makeover
Variable parking rates and online parking availability are features of a pilot program meant to increase convenience and cut congestion on the road.
The San Francisco Chronicle
Replacing Transit with Toll Roads
The Department of Transportation under President Bush has placed an emphasis on market-based measures such as toll roads to alleviate congestion, and this has public transit advocates worried that the Federal government sees no role for transit.
The Washington Post
Traffic Crashes Cost Twice as Much as Congestion
A traffic safety study released March 5 by the AAA highlights the enormous costs of traffic crashes, in terms of lives and dollars, to the U.S. The cost exceeds that of congestion while deaths amount to 117 daily.
The Wall Street Journial
Bay Area Reluctantly Warms Up to On-Ramp Metering
With increasing congestion and freeways built out just about as far as they can go, transportation planners in the San Francisco Bay Area are considering plans to put on-ramp metering lights on many of the area's most congested stretches of freeway.
The Contra Costa Times
New Airport Planned To Ease New York Air Congestion
With high traffic and no ability to expand existing runways, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is redeveloping an old Air Force base into the region's fourth major airport.
The Wall Street Journal
Getting real about planning and mobility
Tue, 03/06/2007 - 12:48
After reading through dozens of long range transportation plans, I have to wonder if the planning profession is serious about improving mobility. By mobility, I mean improving the ability, speed, and efficiency of getting from point A to point B.
Famous Seer Predicts Congestion Will Get Worse . . .
Sun, 02/25/2007 - 14:20
In spring 2007, the Texas Transportation Institute and its partners will release the newest version of the "Mobility Report." This eagerly-awaited document will chronicle the worsening congestion in urban and suburban America. The report typically spawns a frenzy of media stories as folks eagerly peruse the ranking lists finding out just how their area did. While methodology tweaks and data issues might add a few wrinkles, no one will be surprised to see congestion worse than the prior report two years ago. Surprise, surprise!
