The Traffic Solution Most Cities Haven't Tried
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Provided by: Vox|Published on: April 27, 2021
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video from Vox explains how congestion pricing, or charging motorists for using the road during high-traffic times, could solve multiple problems in New York City.
- Students will learn about how effective congestion pricing has been in London and how a similar model could help other big cities.
Subjects: Economics, Civics
Authors: Vox
Region: New York City
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video does a good job of establishing the pros and cons of enacting congestion pricing in New York City while also showing why congestion pricing may be the most viable option for the city's growing traffic problem.
- Pie charts, graphs, and maps help visual learners understand the information presented in the video.
Prerequisites
- This video begins with an advertisement.
- The video does not address the positive environmental impact that congestion pricing might have on New York City.
- Since this video was produced in 2019, New York City has developed a congestion pricing plan called the Central Business District Tolling Program.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Science classes can do their own research to locate data on air pollution produced by personal vehicles versus public transit.
- Younger students can create a mind map showing all of the problems that emanate from traffic in New York City and then discuss which of the problems could be solved by having fewer vehicles on the road.
- History, social studies, or government classes can research the successes, failures, and changing public opinion of London's 2003 congestion pricing system.
- Other resources related to this topic include Car-Free Streets Are Amazing (And We Need More of Them), What Makes Walkable Cities?, and Mapping Air Pollution in Oakland, CA.
This resource is a 6-minute video that presents an overview of congestion pricing and the ways in which it can alleviate congestion and heavy traffic in cities. Since this video came out, New York City has implemented congestion pricing. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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