Quick test to see if we are talking about actually reducing traffic congestion and associated emissions: Does the “solution” or “plan” mention telecommuting? If not, the goal is actually behavior modification and Portland-style land-use controls.
Once again — I’ve totally lost count now — we get a “dirty air” story that does not mention the single most cost-effective and achievable way to reduce traffic and clean the air. To the extent that the air is even dirty — recall that we have not a Code Red ozone day since 2005.
Even something as simple as a dedicated flex-time program in Charlotte could pay off in traffic reduction. Charlotte’s official transportation plan does not mention flex-time — or telecommuting. Coupled with a serious telecommute, work-at-home campaign, flex-time holds tremendous potential to get cars off the roads at rush hour.
But that is not the real goal. Can’t be. Otherwise we wouldn’t keep seeing stories about activists demanding more bike trails and mass transit and never, ever mentioning a cheaper, more widely used alternative.
