THE SOCIAL COST OF MOTOR-VEHICLE USE

We have classified and estimated the social cost of motor vehicle use in the United States on the basis of 1990-91 data. The analysis provid es a conceptual framework for viewing social costs, develops analytica l methods and data sources, and presents some detailed estimates of so me of the costs. The data, methods, functions, and estimates of this a nalysis can help analysts and policymakers evaluate the costs of trans portation projects, establish efficient prices for transportation serv ices, and prioritize research and funding. This analysis cannot, howev er, tell. us precisely what we should do to improve our transportation system. Not only are many of the estimates too generic and uncertain, but, more important, society cares at least as much about equity, opp ortunity, and justice as it does about economic efficiency. At the end of the day, a total social-cost analysis contributes only modestly to but one of several societal objectives for transportation.