Quote:
Originally Posted by exit2lef
My fear, though, is that some people who previously would have avoided that commute by way of their housing and employment choices will now think it's not so bad and make different decisions. Then, we'll find ourselves back on the treadmill trying to catch up once again. I hope I'm wrong, but wariness about induced demand is of many reasons why I opposed the South Mountain Freeway during the planning process.
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You smartly use the term 'induced demand' more generally; I've always thought the 'transit-streetblog theory' of induced demand was poppycock.
It's more of a chicken-egg thingy but usually there's plenty of chickens all over the place before lanes are even added. Does lane expansion 'induce' or invite new drivers to the freeways? Hope so; they don't build the lanes to sit there looking pretty. Do new lanes entice driver off of busy arterials? Likely some but that's not a bad thing either.
But the notion that people decide to learn how to drive because freeway lanes are added doesn't pass my smell test. Most new drivers result from becoming legally old enough to drive.
I think most people would rather live closer to where they work. But some may secure a (good) job despite the drive. Partly, they can't foresee how well it will go or how long they'll have a particular job. Some two-income family earners may go in opposite directions. Housing affordability would always be an issue but Mesa has lots of affordable areas.
I know a lot of H-1B workers from India like to live in Phoenix, especially along Tatum Blvd. While some work at American Express I assume many commute to Chandler.
What I would agree with...
is that you cain't "Build your way out of congestion."