by Daniel Frattin, Peter Ho, Elizabeth Gunston
(© 2001. No portion of this essay, text or image, may be reproduced without authors' consent.)

Abstract:

The Bay Area is experiencing an increase in population, an increase in the number of cars on the road, and an increase in the amount of congestion and pollution that residents have to contend with every day. Without innovative new transportation policies, the matter will only get worse. This essay considers four such policy options: 1) Encourage Bicycling. 2) Support employee-sponsored initiatives like giving workers cash bonuses instead of free parking. 3) Encourage Smart Growth like infill, mixed-use, and transit-oriented development. 4) Implement Congestion Pricing that provides economic disincentives, like higher tolls, for driving during peak commute times. All of these options would help to ensure that the Bay Area remains an economically competitive and vibrant community.