Many city planners argue that constructing additional highway lanes is the most effective way to reduce urban traffic congestion. However, recent urban planning studies demonstrate that expanding highway capacity consistently attracts more vehicles onto the road, a phenomenon known as induced demand. Consequently, expanding highway lanes fails to deliver lasting congestion relief. Cities seeking sustainable traffic management should therefore shift their capital investments toward high-capacity public transit infrastructure.
Which of the following best expresses the main conclusion of the argument?
- AConstructing new highway lanes is the most popular strategy currently employed by city planners to reduce traffic.
- BExpanding highway capacity leads to induced demand by encouraging more motorists to drive.
- CAdding new highway lanes does not provide a long-term solution to urban traffic congestion.
- Cities aiming for sustainable traffic management ought to direct their capital investments toward high-capacity public transit.Answer
- EInvesting in public transit infrastructure will completely eliminate all urban traffic congestion.
Answer
Cities aiming for sustainable traffic management ought to direct their capital investments toward high-capacity public transit.
The author's primary goal is to advocate for a specific policy change: shifting traffic management investments toward high-capacity public transit. The final sentence uses the conclusion indicator 'therefore' to signal that this recommendation is the ultimate claim supported by the evidence regarding induced demand and the failure of highway expansion.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying Main Conclusions and Final Claims