Traffic is one of the most frustrating aspects of urban living, and it's easy to blame it on surface-level issues. However, the root causes of traffic are often more complex than we realize. As San Mateo looks to the future with Measure T, we need to break down these misconceptions and address traffic in smarter, more sustainable ways. Here are five common myths about traffic and how Measure T can help tackle them.
Myth 1: More Housing Means More Traffic
One of the most persistent myths is that building more housing will lead to more traffic, as more people move into an area and use the roads. However, the key issue is not just the number of people, but how those people are traveling. Compared to alternatives to address our target state-mandated growth numbers where more housing would be integrated into neighborhods, Measure T enables housing development that is close to public transportation and within walkable communities. This means that, instead of relying on cars, more residents will have easy access to transit options, walking paths, and bike lanes. By increasing density near transit hubs, Measure T helps reduce car dependency, which is crucial in decreasing traffic, not increasing it.
Myth 2: Traffic is Caused by People From Outside the City
It’s easy to think that our streets are packed because of commuters from neighboring cities, but the reality is often more local. Many of us drive even for short trips—to the grocery store, to school, or to work. San Mateo is car-centric, and that’s part of the problem. A study by the Transit Cooperative Research Program found that transit-oriented development (TOD) can reduce the number of car trips made by a household by up to 40% per week. This reduction is attributed to residents having easier access to public transportation, shops, and workplaces within walking distance. Measure T encourages the development of mixed-use, TOD neighborhoods, reducing the need for frequent car trips and creating more walkable, bikeable spaces for everyday life.
Myth 3: More Parking Will Solve Congestion
A common belief is that adding more parking will ease congestion, but parking availability actually contributes to traffic. When there’s plenty of parking, people are more likely to drive rather than seek alternatives like biking, walking, or using public transit. Measure T supports smart development that reduces the reliance on large parking lots. Instead, it prioritizes housing and commercial space near transit, encouraging alternative modes of transportation that help cut down on the number of cars circulating on our streets.
Myth 4: Public Transportation Doesn’t Help Reduce Traffic
Public transportation is often seen as a solution for other people—not something that can impact traffic in a meaningful way. But when public transit is convenient, affordable, and reliable, more people use it, reducing the number of cars on the road. Measure T promotes transit-oriented development (TOD), meaning more housing and business opportunities close to major transit lines. This creates more opportunities for residents to opt out of driving, easing traffic pressure on our streets.
Myth 5: Traffic Problems Are Too Big to Fix
This might be the most dangerous myth of all—that traffic is an inevitable part of city life that we just have to deal with. While it’s true that traffic won’t disappear overnight, we can absolutely make meaningful changes. Measure T is a step in the right direction by promoting smart growth that addresses traffic at its root: over-reliance on cars, lack of density near transit, and disjointed neighborhoods. With thoughtful urban planning, we can reduce congestion while creating more vibrant, connected communities.
Measure T Helps Mitigate Traffic in San Mateo
By voting for Measure T, we're not just addressing housing needs; we're also tackling the traffic problem in a sustainable way that benefits everyone. Let’s bust these myths once and for all and build a San Mateo that moves forward, not just in cars but as a community.
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