Nevius: Traffic Isn’t The Problem, Transit Is
The Chronicle’s CW Nevius predictably takes the anti-congestion pricing side of this debate in the Chronicle today, arguing that the problem with traffic isn’t all of those pesky auto drivers in cars, it’s the mass transit systems that don’t provide better alternatives to driving.
Of course Nevius makes a good point, one that we have been talking about for years, that mass transit needs to be competitive in time, cost, and comfort to driving, or else people won’t switch. (That’s why we are supporting the Transit Effectiveness Project to make service faster and more reliable for Muni’s 700,000 daily riders.)
But he completely misses the main point of congestion pricing – to reduce traffic and get the buses moving! In London, the congestion charge led to a 21% reduction in traffic volume compared to pre-charge levels, and a 6% increase in bus ridership due to faster bus travel times and increased service. If the price is set high enough to actually discourage traffic from coming downtown, we should expect similar reductions in traffic and increases in transit use – which is exactly what SF voters have voted for repeatedly in approving the Transit-First Policy in 1999 and 2007.
Every bus rider knows that traffic is a major cause of delays. It’s not the only cause of delays, but it’s at least as important as stop spacing and route layout, which are being addressed via the TEP. Congestion pricing is a proven way to reduce traffic, and by doing so, provide commuters real alternatives to driving.
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.