Do Incentive Matter?

Paul Krugman asks: “But can anyone deny that more drivers means more traffic congestion?”

Okay, let’s think about that.

Do more bicyclers mean more bicycle congestion, or more bike lanes and trails?  Do more moviegoers mean more theater congestion, or steeper discounts for off-peak viewing plus more theaters?

Do more drivers mean more gas station congestion, or more and better-designed gas stations? Do incentives matter?

Anthony Watts focuses on Krugman’s remark on global warming, and links to the Krugman column from his WattsUpWithThat post here.  

For the history and economics of increasing U.S. traffic congestion, see Randy O’Toole’s book Gridlock.  O’Toole’s essay on transportation incentives and infrastructure is here.