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this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2023
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Don't really have the numbers, sorry, I just know that it's a lot of money, especially if you have a nicer car.
In the context of infrastructure, I don't think comparing direct costs/income makes sense to talk about. It's existence brings insane economical benefit, doesn't matter if it's roads or public transport.
So my point is, it doesn't make sense to try to hate on roads because of costs/income, same as it doesn't make sense to do the same with public transport, both have their place in a much bigger system than themselves.
It's no hate on roads, it's hate on injustice expectations. Why should trains make profit and cars/roads are accepted as public subsidized method of transportation?
Plus it's a misconception that roads bring us 'insane economical benefit'. They cost us so so much (consider freedom, equality, environment, health and actual money) and the average citizen is certainly not the one to profit from this system.
It might not be in this case, but it usually is, which is why I've included it
Now there I wholeheartedly disagree. They absolutely do.
Freedom - I don't understand why you've included this one. Roads allow you to travel in the free-est way that exists, not considering <20km ranges, where that'd be walking/biking. You're just not dependent on a bus company deciding to cut a bus route, a train breaking down and blocking the rail, anything. It just doesn't make sense.
Equality - Yeah maybe, you could say that about almost anything though, same goes with housing, clothing, food, luxuries. I know it's worse in the US though, where it's a disaster not to drive, but I'm speaking from the European PoV, where cars extend what you can do, and the lack of them doesn't bar you from much.
Environment - Sure, though from what I've seen cars are not that bad, when you look at the whole picture. Can't disagree though.
Health - I don't really see a counterpoint, so agreed. Maybe ambulances?
Actual money - Worth it, very much worth it. I'm driving a car I bought for $1500 and put another $1000 in, and it's improved my life significantly, even though public transit is good and readily available (I'll take a 5m drive versus a 30m commute any day). My time is worth quite a lot to me.
The citizen might not profit directly, money-wise, but economically, it's invaluable. It's not easy to distribute goods around the country/the world, and it'd be impossible without the flexibility of roads.