The “time is money” mantra has been a driving force behind conversations around traffic congestion and sprawl in the United States, but it’s a flawed starting point for planning transportation systems. This mindset has led to a focus on the economic costs of congestion, with estimates suggesting that traffic congestion cost the US economy $74 billion in lost time last year, with drivers losing 102 hours stuck in traffic and the average American driver losing $771 in productivity.
However, this approach oversimplifies the complexities of human behavior and the value of time. Economists often treat humans as rational creatures who make decisions based on basic math, ignoring the importance of activities that bring joy and fulfillment, such as spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking a break. This productivity pressure can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, as people feel constant pressure to be “on” and producing. Corporate HR departments recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, but public agencies continue to prioritize congestion relief, despite the fact that it often doesn’t work. The principle of induced demand explains why building more lanes for cars only leads to more car trips, while designing streets for human-scale activities can induce more of those activities.
The impact of this flawed approach is that public agencies are perpetually strapped for cash, spending depleted budgets on ineffective solutions. It’s essential to be skeptical of reports on the economic costs of congestion, as they often reduce humans to soulless economic units. Instead, building a human-scale city requires working towards outcomes that prioritize human flourishing, rather than just productivity. By designing cities with people in mind, we can create more livable, sustainable, and equitable communities. As we move forward, it’s crucial to rethink our approach to transportation planning and prioritize human well-being over economic efficiency.
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