What does induced demand refer to?

Induced demand refers to the concept where an increase in the supply of goods or services leads to an increase in consumption. This phenomenon is particularly observed in transportation planning, where expanding road capacity can lead to more vehicles on the road, thus increasing traffic congestion rather than alleviating it. Essentially, when more infrastructure is provided, it encourages more usage. This reflects the idea that supply and demand are intricately linked; as supply increases, it can create conditions that entice more people to utilize that supply, resulting in higher overall demand. This understanding is crucial in planning practices, as it highlights the necessity of considering behavioral responses to changes in supply when designing systems and policies.