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xiler | 5 years ago

Roads are non-rivalrous (to an extent). Meaning during off-peak times a private toll road would likely be under utilized if it were not regulated/subsidized. Another reason is that if a road happens to be the shortest path between a populous area and an in-demand destination it would likely be something close to a natural monopoly. This could potentially lead to high prices, too many billboards, etc.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivalry_(economics)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_monopoly

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webmaven|5 years ago

> Roads are non-rivalrous (to an extent). Meaning during off-peak times a private toll road would likely be under utilized if it were not regulated/subsidized.

Arterial roads may be non-rivalrous in the same sense as the internet backbone, but the last mile to your home is definitely a natural monopoly for both roads and ISPs. How would you feel about ubiquitous toll roads that start at the end of your driveway?