Traffic

Are Traffic Apps More a Problem Than a Solution?
The companies behind navigation apps say they want to decrease congestion in cities. But a tool that is essentially designed to help individuals isn’t going to provide a collective benefit.

Study: E-Commerce Decreases Traffic Congestion in China
Examining congestion data from 94 Chinese cities before and after Alibaba's Singles' Day, this study found evidence for a modest drop in traffic following the Cyber Monday-like event.

Back-to-School Traffic Management Plan: Me Time
A humorous post offers advice on how to adjust to life trapped in a sea of cars swelled by school pick-up and drop-off schedules: think of it as "me time."

After a Failed Freeway Plan, Alternatives Prove Controversial
With plans to extend California's 710 Freeway off the table, cities in the path have been awarded funds for alternative road projects. But residents of San Marino aren't all on board.

Mayor Wants to Create Atlanta's First-Ever Transportation Department
The proposal to create a new department in the city of Atlanta devoted to traffic and potholes came in the State of the City speech delivered this week by Mayor Keisha Bottoms.

Sunday Fun: The Super Bowl in Atlanta on Social Media
Traffic and cars play a central role in the social media chatter surrounding the Super Bowl in Atlanta.

Congestion Pricing Takes Major Step Forward in New York City
Suddenly, after years of inaction, momentum is building for congestion pricing in New York City.

The Percent of Americans Using Ride Hailing Services is Going Up…Fast
in 2015, 28% of 18-29 year-olds said they had used Lyft or Uber. In 2018, that number jumped to 51% according to a Pew Research study.

Seattle Scrambles to Handle Upcoming Traffic 'Squeeze'
Dubbed the "Seattle Squeeze," heavier traffic is expected in the new year as the Alaskan Way Viaduct closes and downtown construction projects continue. While the city prepares, activists want to use the opportunity to encourage other modes.

Ride Hailing and Travel Behavior: It's Complicated
A pair of new studies add to an emerging scientific model of the effect of transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. The complication: One study reinforces earlier findings, and the other contradicts.

Debunking the Arguments Against Detroit's New Bike Lanes
Protected bike lanes, this writer argues, are just one part of a broader rebuild of Detroit that prioritizes engagement.

Study Reveals the Futility of Building Out of Congestion
Even if widening highways enough to relieve all congestion were possible, it would only benefit a very small number of commuters, according to new research.

Study Finds UberPOOL Adds to City Traffic by Competing with the Subway
Past studies have shown how ride hailing services have added to congestion. A new study by Bruce Schaller suggests that even ride shares add to traffic, because they pull riders off of more efficient transit options like public transit.
More Evidence of the Economic Upsides to Traffic
Because it forces infill and efficient transit, among other things, traffic is actually good per capita GDP and jobs.

Study Finds People Tend to Overestimate How Long It Takes to Walk and Bike
Ninety percent of respondents to a recent survey overestimated the time it would take to walk or bike to work, and those with parking permits were the worst at guessing their commute times.
A Call for Bus Rapid Transit in a Miami Suburb
The Miami suburb of Pinecrest, Florida would benefit greatly from a Bus Rapid Transit line on U.S. 1, argues City Councilmember James McDonald

If Traffic Costs Americans Billions, What About Waiting for Coffee?
The folks over at City Observatory brew up a "Cappuccino Congestion Index" to show that anything can be shown to cost Americans vast sums of money.

A Proven Track Record for Reducing Traffic Fatalities
Vehicle fatalities are trending upward around the United States, but Colombia's capital of Bogotá may have some best practices to share.

Silicon Valley Isn't Really Over
Though a handful of recent articles predicted "peak Silicon Valley," new numbers show the region is still producing lots of good jobs and attracting plenty of venture capital.

Navigation Apps Might Hurt Traffic Congestion More Than Help
Raise your hand if you envisioned a transportation network optimized to full efficiency by navigation apps.
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