What best defines induced demand in the context of transport planning?

Induced demand in the context of transport planning refers specifically to the phenomenon where expanded or improved transportation infrastructure leads to an increase in the volume of travel. When new roads, bridges, or public transit options are developed, they often make travel more accessible and convenient, which encourages people to make additional trips. This can include not only existing travelers choosing to use the new infrastructure but also new trips being created, as the improved conditions may lead former non-travelers to start using the transportation network.

In this way, induced demand illustrates a dynamic relationship between infrastructure development and travel behavior, highlighting that demand for travel can be responsive to changes in transportation options. This concept reflects the understanding that merely providing more infrastructure can lead to greater use, potentially leading to congestion and the need for further developments, creating a cycle of increasing demand.