Congestion is a subject of considerable importance, particularly in outdoor
recreation. This article comments on a recent review of the literature on the
economics of congestion. The purpose of this article is to formally distinguish
between the subjective and objective effects of crowding and thereby develop a
more general model for analysis of the optimal size of facilities subject to
congestion. Optimal capacit will depend not only on the increased time costs
associated with crowding but also individual preferences for crowding. The
effect is expected to vary for both individuals and activities.
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