Whoaccio
Senior Member
I realize that this isn't the most well liked field of transit discussion, but even the most optimistic Metrolinx projections have the majority of GTAers driving by 2030. I'm surprised the question hasn't come up as to what road expansion projects are being considered. I think this would be especially acute if Torontonians ever wanted to go ahead with pedestrianizing some streets, which I think could be a great way to improve the city. But the cars have to be put somewhere first. Even from an environmental perspective, it makes no sense to have cars idling in traffic.
Before someone jumps on me about being Moses (Robert) reincarnate and the destroyer of cities ect, I just want to set up some basic problems with highways which I feel are easily fixed. Firstly, N. American highways are bloody massive. The rights of way we construct our highways with is totally absurd. Compare the Allen Expressway with this random highway in Tokyo. Both are two lane highways, the Tokyo one probably has more drivers, but the Allan's ROW has got to be 2x the size. What were the city planners planning on putting in there? Even our subway rows are gigantic. This problem could be fixed with almost no effort whatsoever.
Secondly, highways are free. (don't pull the "there is no free lunch" argument, we all know people don't pay to use highways, that is what I am referring to). This is where that induced demand comes in. If you build anything, and provide it for free, it will induce demand. If you play around with the supply/demand graphs, and set p = 0, quantity demanded will increase. So, obviously this would produce negative effects (smog, sprawl, inactivity). It is also very easy to fix though. Just privatize the roads. That way, right wing types get the pleasure of knowing the "market" is active and lefties get road tolls. It is the most capitalistic thing to do.
So, where should we expand/build new highways? I want the 400 extension completed down to the Gardiner.
Before someone jumps on me about being Moses (Robert) reincarnate and the destroyer of cities ect, I just want to set up some basic problems with highways which I feel are easily fixed. Firstly, N. American highways are bloody massive. The rights of way we construct our highways with is totally absurd. Compare the Allen Expressway with this random highway in Tokyo. Both are two lane highways, the Tokyo one probably has more drivers, but the Allan's ROW has got to be 2x the size. What were the city planners planning on putting in there? Even our subway rows are gigantic. This problem could be fixed with almost no effort whatsoever.
Secondly, highways are free. (don't pull the "there is no free lunch" argument, we all know people don't pay to use highways, that is what I am referring to). This is where that induced demand comes in. If you build anything, and provide it for free, it will induce demand. If you play around with the supply/demand graphs, and set p = 0, quantity demanded will increase. So, obviously this would produce negative effects (smog, sprawl, inactivity). It is also very easy to fix though. Just privatize the roads. That way, right wing types get the pleasure of knowing the "market" is active and lefties get road tolls. It is the most capitalistic thing to do.
So, where should we expand/build new highways? I want the 400 extension completed down to the Gardiner.
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