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In this episode of the OoruLabs podcast, Sathya Sankaran discusses the complexities of road expansion and traffic congestion, emphasizing that simply adding more road capacity is not a sustainable solution. He explores the concept of public goods, opportunity costs, and the law of induced demand, illustrating how increased road supply often leads to more traffic rather than alleviating it. The conversation shifts towards the importance of efficient road utilization and the need for a comprehensive infrastructure network that prioritizes various modes of transport, ultimately advocating for a rethinking of urban mobility strategies.

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Keywords

traffic congestion, road expansion, public goods, opportunity cost, induced demand, urban mobility, infrastructure efficiency, transportation planning, environmental value, mobility alternatives

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Takeaways

Adding road capacity is often seen as a simple solution.

Roads are public goods, funded by taxes.

Opportunity costs must be considered in road expansion.

Induced demand can lead to more traffic despite increased road space.

Efficiency of existing road space is crucial for urban planning.

Urban planners should focus on mobility, not just transport.

Infrastructure should connect all modes of transport effectively.

A network approach to infrastructure is essential for success.

Road prioritization should focus on safety and efficiency.

Political interests often hinder effective transportation solutions.

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Sound Bites

"Why don't we unpack this issue today?"

"The law of induced demand kicks in."

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Chapters

00:00 The Illusion of Road Expansion

03:10 Understanding Public Goods and Opportunity Costs

05:56 The Law of Induced Demand

09:12 Rethinking Road Utilization and Efficiency

12:02 The Role of Infrastructure in Urban Mobility

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Stock video and picture credits to various contributors. All rights belong to respective owners. Show notes generated by Riverside AI.

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