Josie Garthwaite, For National Geographic News
The largest lottery jackpot in history inspired Americans to spend $1.5 billion for a slim chance at riches. Transportation experts are wagering that this fervor for small gambles can be put to use solving a big urban problem: traffic congestion.
Two experimental transportation projects under way in 2012 in Singapore and Silicon Valley aim to improve commutes through gaming.
Thousands of commuters so far have decided it's worth the effort to change their routines for a shot at $50 or $100.
Photograph by Munshi Ahmed, Bloomberg/Getty Images
Singapore's Electronic
Road Pricing (ERP) system charges motorists for road use during peak
hours, but disincentive programs have limitations. New schemes that
offer drivers cash for adjusting their schedules may help cities win the
fight against untenable traffic conditions.
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