| High Speed Broadband reduces congestion on urban road networks |
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| Wednesday, 13 February 2008 19:37 | |
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Media release (immediate) 13th February 2008 "Building High Speed Broadband Networks extends the performance of our Physical Infrastructure and hence is an added investment in Infrastructure" said Owen McShane, Director of the Centre for Resource Management Studies today. Mr McShane explains: "In her opening statement to Parliament yesterday afternoon, Prime Minister Helen Clark said: On broadband we've got confidence in the new regulatory settings and we are close to finalising Telecom's undertakings on operational separation and commitments on infrastructure investment. Going forward, the aim is to build out high-speed broadband in our cities and rural areas, delivering benefits to business, the education and health systems, and society at large. Some commentators are concerned that spending on broadband could be at the expense of other infrastructure such as roads and bridges. However , the Prime Minister is on firm ground, possibly firmer than most people realise. Overseas experience has demonstrated that the single most effective means of reducing congestion on urban road networks is high speed broadband and the higher the speed the better. The reason is simple: Telecommuting. Since 1980, telecommuting is the only commute mode, other than single occupancy driving, which has increased right across America. The figures are startling. If we exclude New York City, which accounts for over 38% of total transit commuters in the US, telecommuters now outnumber public transport commuters – 3,904,656 telecommuters; 3,747, 218 public transport commuters. In San Diego, Dallas and Phoenix telecommuters outnumber all public transport commuters. In Oklahoma City telecommuters outnumber all public transport commuters by nearly five to one. In San Diego telecommuters outnumber light-rail commuters by 22 to 1 and in Denver by 47 to 1. Broadband, unlike light rail, requires no subsidies from ratepayers or taxpayers – and it works. When supported by high speed broadband, telecommuting improves mobility, reduces air pollution, reduces accidents, reduces fossil fuel consumption, increases “quality time” and leisure, and increases employment opportunities for the physically handicapped, and young mothers . This same package, working in reverse, also improves access to health care by allowing top quality doctors and specialists to operate from “virtually” anywhere. (New Zealand lags dreadfully here.) Telecommuting touches a surprisingly wide range of issues. It may be the most cost-effective way to reduce rush-hour traffic and it also helps improve air quality, highway safety, and health care. Telecommuting expands opportunities for women who want to raise children while remaining in employment, and for the handicapped, and conserves energy, and — when used as a substitute for offshore outsourcing, can help allay globalization fears. Unions campaign for extra annual leave while employers complain of the extra costs. Typical telecommuters in America are gaining about 15 eight-hour work-days a year in actual extra time. These extra days come at no cost to the employer. These savings are based on the measurable savings in commuting times. But telecommuters find other ways to save time – they shop at off-peak times and so enjoy easier parking and less time in check-out lines. They go to the gym when it suits rather than on their way to and from work when everyone else does. They also save real money. The typical telecommuter in Southern California saves as much as US$1,200 a year in petrol money alone. They also save on expensive wardrobes, restaurant meals, hairdressing, makeup, child-care, and house care. Telecommuting touches a surprisingly wide range of issues. It may be the most cost-effective way to reduce rush-hour traffic and it also helps improve air quality, highway safety, and health care. Telecommuting expands opportunities for the handicapped, conserves energy, and—when used as a substitute for offshore outsourcing— it can help allay globalization fears. Here is Ted Balaker’s splendid ground-breaking research: The Quiet Success: Telecommuting's Impact on Transportation and Beyond Summary: Telecommuting is growing faster than transit ridership. However, unfriendly zoning ordinances and other existing laws often discourage it. Quote: "Telecommuting may be the most cost-effective way to reduce rush-hour traffic and it can even improve how a weary nation copes with disasters, from hurricanes to terrorist attacks." So the Prime Minister should stick to her guns. Broadband is the great highway of the modern economy and represents as big a leap forward as did the Roman Roads, 19th Century Rail, and Henry Fords working class car. Go for it. |
