Policy Research

Delhi Odd Even Plan as a Public Policy Experiment

Suvojit Chattopadhyay

Summary

Delhi, India experimented (for a 15-day period) with a method to curb automobile pollution. They mandated that cars with an even number registration would be allowed to drive on even dates, while card with odd registration could drive on odd dates. During this 15-day period, carpooling increased 387.7%, rickshaw use increased 156.3%, and metro use increased 58.4%. Additionally, commutes were roughly 12 minutes faster, while bus rides were between 13 and 14 minutes faster. Additionally, during this period pollution levels were significantly lower in Delhi than in surrounding areas.

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Policy Implications

This policy experiment has profound implications for American policy. If US metropolitan areas were to enact policies limiting the number of cars on the road in a given day, these results indicate that people would be much more likely to carpool and use public transportation. Additionally, such a policy may help decrease air pollution.