Effects of additional capacity on vehicle kilometers of travel in the U.S.: Evidence from National Household Travel Surveys

摘要: Abstract Adding capacity is one policy mechanism to alleviate congestion. However, the empirical evidence strongly suggests that additional only makes congestion worse. This study analyzes differential effects of freeway versus arterial on vehicle kilometers travel (VKT) in metropolitan areas across U.S. The analysis uses data and household from 2001 2009 National Household Travel Surveys (NHTS) includes stock flow measures road capacity, congestion, commuter demand, economic growth for areas. Taking into account differences between each measure, adopts a novel multilevel model approach estimate how affects VKT. Results indicate adding more slightly decreases VKT over lag period six years (1995 2001) eight (2001 2009), probably because arterials shortens routes origins destinations so than freeways. Consistent with expectations, lower congested areas, got congested. also rebound (higher fuel-economy vehicles are driven much vehicles) will at least partially offset demand management benefits (gasoline) price sensitivity gasoline prices decrease VKT).