The Fundamental Law of Road Congestion: Evidence from Us Cities
47 Pages Posted: 28 Sep 2009 Last revised: 8 Jul 2023
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The Fundamental Law of Road Congestion: Evidence from Us Cities
The Fundamental Law of Road Congestion: Evidence from US Cities
Date Written: September 2009
Abstract
We investigate the relationship between interstate highways and highway vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) in US cities. We find that VKT increases proportionately to highways and identify three important sources for this extra VKT: an increase in driving by current residents; an increase in transportation intensive production activity; and an inflow of new residents. The provision of public transportation has no impact on VKT. We also estimate the aggregate city level demand for VKT and find it to be very elastic. We conclude that an increased provision of roads or public transit is unlikely to relieve congestion.
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