Comments on: Nevius: Traffic Isn’t The Problem, Transit Is http://www.rescuemuni.org/2008/12/04/nevius-traffic-isnt-the-problem-transit-is/ A transit riders' association for San Francisco Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:02:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Don http://www.rescuemuni.org/2008/12/04/nevius-traffic-isnt-the-problem-transit-is/#comment-2807 Don Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:27:00 +0000 http://www.rescuemuni.org/2008/12/04/nevius-traffic-isnt-the-problem-transit-is/#comment-2807 You forgot to mention that in London congestion has returned to its pre-congestion pricing level. Traffic and congestion are related but they are two different measurements. In SF, commute hours are terrible. But during the day, driving downtown is a breeze, with the exception of some intersections that can be avoided if you know the alternative routes. Those bottlenecks can be helped with better traffic engineering. And unless there is a major convention in town it is also possible to find a parking spot on the street; if you drive around a little and are lucky. Congestion pricing during commute hours may be a good thing if it will help reduce congestion. But we should first see the details on how much it will cost to build and maintain the system. The plan to increase parking fees based on demand may accomplish the same thing and should be tried first. I am still somewhat bothered by discriminating on the basis of wealth. Everyone should have equal access to public streets irrespective on income. You forgot to mention that in London congestion has returned to its pre-congestion pricing level. Traffic and congestion are related but they are two different measurements. In SF, commute hours are terrible. But during the day, driving downtown is a breeze, with the exception of some intersections that can be avoided if you know the alternative routes. Those bottlenecks can be helped with better traffic engineering. And unless there is a major convention in town it is also possible to find a parking spot on the street; if you drive around a little and are lucky.

Congestion pricing during commute hours may be a good thing if it will help reduce congestion. But we should first see the details on how much it will cost to build and maintain the system. The plan to increase parking fees based on demand may accomplish the same thing and should be tried first. I am still somewhat bothered by discriminating on the basis of wealth. Everyone should have equal access to public streets irrespective on income.

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