Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
These results have been achieved in large part by the high cost of motor vehicle
use and by the presence of strong transit systems in these cities that provide a viable
alternative to driving.
19.3.3 Effects of Congestion Pricing on Travelers
The various congestion pricing applications vary in their bene
ts and impacts. Key
factors include the type and location of the application, the intensity and extent of
peak period congestion, and the amount of the congestion charge.
19.3.3.1 Probable Impact on Drivers
Probable impacts on drivers are as follows:
Drivers who value the time savings more than the congestion charge are
better
off
when the charge is high enough to reduce trip time and/or trip time
variability.
Drivers who chain trips and
find that the congestion charge exceeds the value of
the travel time saved
and
would experience an increase in door-to-door trip
times if transit service is not direct or not easily accessible, are
worse off
.
Motorists who value the travel time savings of a particular trip less than the
congestion charge for that trip will forego making that trip in the peak period
and may reschedule it at other times when no charge is imposed, or by using
other modes, or by traveling to different destinations.
Those who have no modal alternatives available are
worse off
if they are unable
to afford the congestion charge, and are forced to travel outside the peak hours,
or need to
find new destinations that may be of inferior value to them.
19.3.3.2 Equity Issue
—
Low Income Travelers
Equity issues involving the mobility of low-income drivers often arise. Usually they
can be minimized where net revenues from congestion tolls can be allocated to
assist low-income travelers in satisfying their mobility needs. In the case of HOT or
Toll lanes, low income travelers, who cannot afford paying the charge, can use the
general purpose lanes.
19.3.4 Implementation Considerations
Implementing area-wide congestion pricing in US cities requires a number of
conditions that are not always present: (1) transit systems must be able to serve
