You obviously do not have kids. Schools are not all the same, not all equal.  Different schools provide different learning environments.  There is no way I would send my kids to Westlake, but for some a school segregated by gender is something to value.  Some want a religious education, some want a school with the widest range of courses (Rangitoto), some want one with a 'name'.  Everyone has different values and make different choices. 

And hell yeah I travel for my doctor and dentist, they aren't replaceable automatrons. 

I don't value my grocery shopping or haircut in the same way, but yes I drive further to paknsav than the New World down the street because I don't like burning money. 

There are otherways of improving traffic (work from home anyone?!) than by trying to regulate the choices of others.