Task/Opportunity:
Traffic jams are a big problem that have existed for many years and have not been solved on our campus. Traffic jams add to the environmental issue of pollution, as cars are running longer than necessary, and traffic is a major complaint of commuters. It is ethical to take actions on this since it benefits in both an economical way and an environmental way on campus.
Pains:
- Waste of time. People are not accomplishing anything when they are stuck in traffic on their commute and often people are late to class/meetings.
- Increased air pollution because many cars are standing still. It takes drivers more time to travel, so vehicles produce more greenhouse gases on the road.
- Increased and increasing cost of gas for cars. When stuck in traffic jams, people are spending money for gas they are not even using to travel.
Gains:
- Reduced risk of accidents. Traffic jams happen often when there are many pedestrians crossing the street. If traffic moves smoothly, people are less likely to rear-end people that are braking.
- Cost of medical care will be reduced as people will have less problems with medical conditions related to pollution and air quality.
- Less energy is used by cars, which means less non-renewable resources are used up.
Stakeholders:
- College students and faculty (Professors, doctors, custodial, transportation, etc.)
College students and faculty can be divided roughly into two types: commuters(drivers) and pedestrians. Traffic jams will waste their time, especially for the commuters, and somewhat more serious, a busy road can lead to car accidents. So, the heavy traffic will raise the safety risk.
2. Construction companies
Based on the solution, a new construction project could be started. The company can get payment by finishing the project. This is contributing to a company remaining in business and making profits.
3. The Government
The Columbus local government and the state government are ultimately responsible for the public road system. They will probably be the ones supporting the project financially. They could also potentially have workers working on the projects.
4. Drivers through/around campus (not necessarily to campus, but from or through it.)
Any person that lives near campus that does not work or go to school there is still going to be affected by traffic and projects. They also pay taxes that could fund the
solution to the traffic problem.
5. Ohio State University
The traffic jams take place on University property, so they have a major interest in finding solutions for traffic problems. They also will be the ones benefiting the most from the decreased pollution.