It was designed for a smaller number of single car drivers than it has today. And it was not designed for quick/cheap expansion.

I guess any system of transportation would feel like torture for commuters if that system is overloaded and operating beyond its reasonable capacity.

So every major city in the US and Europe?

Don't know. Haven't visited every major city in the US and Europe.

One data point: As bad as it can be at times, especially on/near The Strip, Las Vegas still seems less congested than LA.

Great thing about Vegas is that there's not really any rush hour during the day. Only party-rush-hour at night.

it actually works great with less people. the problem is hitting that threshold requires regulation, which is a political impossibility except for special events.

http://articles.latimes.com/1985-06-07/local/me-16088_1_traf...

as for the 3am traffic, that was probably night time caltrans work, or a drunk driving accident :(

So less people driving leads to less traffic, what a surprise.

I think that LA takes pride in its traffic, like some kind of shared struggle.

It is the only city I have lived in that has an implied 30 minute allowance for traffic delays. Everyone understands and you can use the excuse anytime or day of the week.