Dear Reader, An interesting debate is raging behind the scenes in the German government at the moment. While on the surface the subject is banal - how much money to invest in asphalt - it actually tells us a lot about two strands of thinking clashing at the top of German government.
Not sure the greens would agree with your characterization that they believe the primary goal of gov is to restrict people’s choices. But rather perhaps a securing a habitat for future generations? By your own logic, isn't a government that invests in auto industry and infrastructure over mass public transport also “controlling” choice by making transport by car easier and more comfortable?
The problem is that even if the Greens win and DB gets the billions it needs the required upgrades will take years to get done resulting in delays and cancellations - and as happening now - people will choose to drive/fly
Second point is more challenging - the more lanes you add the more traffic you get
Not sure the greens would agree with your characterization that they believe the primary goal of gov is to restrict people’s choices. But rather perhaps a securing a habitat for future generations? By your own logic, isn't a government that invests in auto industry and infrastructure over mass public transport also “controlling” choice by making transport by car easier and more comfortable?
The problem is that even if the Greens win and DB gets the billions it needs the required upgrades will take years to get done resulting in delays and cancellations - and as happening now - people will choose to drive/fly
Second point is more challenging - the more lanes you add the more traffic you get