Commentary

Can you say HEMI?

Reason senior fellow Joel Schwartz takes on “the latest effort by anti-automobile activists to torture the data until it gives the desired confession.” Joel disects auto critics feeble arguments that adding new roads or lanes of freeway increases auto traffic and pollution. He concludes: Most people prefer auto-based lifestyles, and technology and fleet turnover are mitigating air pollution. Instead of trying to make motorists miserable, scarce transportation dollars should instead be allocated to reflect the actual relative demand for transit and auto travel. That would allow cities to provide the additional automobile infrastructure necessary to keep up with travel demand, reduce road congestion, and provide a transportation system that meets people’s needs.