Why can't we fix the traffic problems in our major cities?

Question

I live in chicago and it has no rhyme or reason it's just ridiculous.

Answer 1

The problems we have come from the fact that  people who built our roads had no idea what kind of demands the future would place on them. And every new solution is designed to meet such near-future need that, by the time it's built, it's already at capacity. We're always playing catch-up

So the answer is, the people who do the planning never look far enough into the future.

That's why we can't fix them. If you want to know how we CAN fix them, you'll have to put in another nickel ;-)

Answer 2

$10 a gallon for gasoline will help fix the problem. $15/gallon will help even more. Unless people switch to using natural gas (methane) as I have - it's super cheap and very clean - then it will get worse again...oh well...

Answer 3

The main problem as i see it is that too many people consider their car to be essential, when it is not.  People have got used to the comfort and convenience of walking out of their house,and getting into their car, to drive anywhere, including the local convenience store or school.  The problem lies in the short journeys wher viable options, such as walking, cycling and Mass/Public transport, should be exploited more.

Public Transport needs to be re-marketed as a real alternative to the car, instead of being seen as a last resort to be used by the poor and wasters, It can be done, and in fact has been done in certain areas of Northern England, where positive marketing of Local 'bus services, along with improvements in their comfort and reliability,has seen commuters abandon their cars in favour of the 'bus.  The only way the current worldwide traffic congestion problem is to reduce the number of cars on the road,  people won't like giving up the privacy and freedom of their cars, but it really is the only way.

Answer 4

More and more poeple move in to cities becuase thats where the jobs are. Everyone wants there own car instead of using mass transit.

Answer 5

Here's some humor, I'm sure it can be applied to any city.

THE 18 CARDINAL RULES OF DRIVING IN PHILLY ...

A right lane construction closure is just a game to see how many people can cut in line by passing you on the right as you sit in the left lane waiting for the same jerks to squeeze their way back in before hitting construction barrels. Bonus points are awarded for getting out of your car and moving the barrels.

Turn signals provide clues as to your next move in the road battle, so never use them.

Under no circumstances should you leave a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, no matter how fast you're going. If you do, the space will be filled in by somebody else, putting you in an even more dangerous situation.

The faster you drive through a red light, the less your chance of getting hit.

The car with the most extensive body work automatically has the right of way (remember no-fault insurance - he might not have as much to lose as you do).

Braking is to be done as hard and late as possible, to insure that your antilock braking system kicks in; this will give you a nice, relaxing foot massage as the brake pedal pulsates.

Construction signs are carefully positioned to tell you about road closures immediately after you pass the last opportunity to exit, but just before the traffic begins to back up.

The electronic traffic warning system signs are not there to provide useful information, but just to tell time and make Philly look progressive.

Never pass on the left when you can pass on the right. It's a good way to scare people entering the highway. Passing on the shoulder is encouraged - that's why they're paved.

Speed limits are arbitrary figures to make Philly look as if it conforms with other state policies; these are intended only as suggestions and are actually unenforceable.

Just because you're in the left lane and have no room to speed up or move over doesn't mean that a driver flashing his high beams behind you doesn't think he can go faster in your spot.

Please remember that there is no such thing as a shortcut during rush-hour traffic on the Schuylkill or anywhere downtown.

Always slow down and rubberneck when you see an accident or even a person changing a tire. If you're lucky, you may see the unlucky breakdown victim get mugged.

Learn to swerve abruptly. Downtown Philly is the home of very high-speed slalom driving, thanks to PENNDOT, who put potholes in key locations to test drivers' reflexes and keep them on their toes. Parts of truck tires are left on new highways (where potholes haven't yet been established) for the same purpose.

It is considered correct in Philly to honk your horn at cars that don't move the instant the light changes. Our city is founded upon such traditions.

Seeking eye contact with another driver automatically revokes your right of way.

When in doubt, remember that all unmarked exits lead to New Jersey.

It's OK to back up along the shoulder of the road if you missed your exit, particularly if it is the Schuylkill or I-95. This gives the other drivers a more challenging "moving target" rather than those stationary barrels.

Answer 6

Part of the problem is that there are certain companies that benefit from traffic (oil companies, auto makers, taxi services, parking lot owners, etc.) and they lobby to make sure that the government doesn't invest in public transportation.

Answer 7

There's a whole science and study of traffic.  It just isn't obvious.

As for the solution - is also isn't simple.  Other wise we wouldn't have traffic.

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With the high gas prices, and increasing traffic, I just can't wait till we do more work from home (tele commuting).

Good Luck...