Why do traffic jams happen in the first place? Why don’t we simply build more roads? And should drivers really have to pay for using them?

In this episode, we talk about congestion pricing with Erik Verhoef, professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and research fellow at the Tinbergen Institute. His research focuses on how economic instruments can help address the negative externalities of transport, with a particular focus on road congestion.

We discuss why economists have long seen congestion pricing as an effective solution to traffic, why expanding road capacity alone often fails to solve the problem, and how congestion depends on where and when people travel. From electronic road pricing in ingapore to congestion charging in London and Stockholm, we explore how different systems work in practice and what policymakers can learn from them.

Finally, we look at the politics of congestion pricing, why public opposition often declines after implementation, how revenues can shape perceptions of fairness, and why solving congestion may require changing the behavior of only a small share of travelers.

More about our guest:

https://research.vu.nl/en/persons/erik-verhoef/

Music recommendation of the episode:

https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/track/06ypiqmILMdVeaiErMFA91

How do we make decisions about where to go - and how to get there - when they involve other people? Why do most transport models still assume that individuals act independently? And what can we learn from something as simple as deciding where to meet friends for dinner?

In this episode, we explore the role of social networks in mobility with Giancarlos Parady, whose research focuses on how social interactions shape travel behavior and decision-making.

We discuss why traditional transport models often overlook the social nature of travel, how leisure activities differ from routine trips, and what happens when decisions are made jointly rather than individually. From choosing a restaurant location to coordinating schedules, these everyday interactions reveal how mobility is embedded in social relationships.

Finally, we explore what it means to plan transport systems not just for individuals, but for social networks: from improving access to “third places” to addressing loneliness, and understanding how behavior spreads through social ties.

More about our guest: https://gparady.net

Music recommendation of the episode:

“アルクアラウンド” by Sakanaction

https://open.spotify.com/track/3ov6DXhs8UfsHqoMLz4zO9?si=e729c676023b4348

Why should we care about public transport ridership? Why do so few people use it in some places? And what has changed since the pandemic?

In this episode, we explore the dynamics behind public transport use with Candace Brakewood, professor at the University of Tennessee. Her research focuses on transit systems, travel behavior, and how emerging mobility options interact with public transport.

We discuss what ridership actually measures and which role new modes such as bikesharing or e-scooters play. We also look at long-term trends before the pandemic, the impact of telework and relocation, and what these shifts mean for the future of transit. Finally, we explore what makes public transport more attractive: from better funding and fare policies to digital tools.

More about our guest:

https://candacebrakewood.com

Music recommendation of the episode:

M.T.A. by the Kingston Trio

https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/track/3jqgtknEHeqWMaL558O3YL?si=238812fea2004ffb