Public roads sometimes get congested, suggesting that public roads are:
A) public goods.
B) rival.
C) private goods.
D) experiencing a free rider problem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that public roads can become congested indicates that they are rival goods, meaning that their use by one person reduces the amount available for others. Public goods are non-excludable, meaning that it is difficult or impossible to prevent someone from using them, and non-rival, meaning that one person's use doesn't diminish the amount available for others. Private goods can be both excludable (meaning access can be restricted) and rival. The concept of free rider problems applies to situations where people can enjoy a shared benefit without contributing to its provision - this is not necessarily applicable in the case of congested public roads.

Public Roads Sometimes Get Congested, Suggesting That Public Roads Are