The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) recently commissioned a study to explore the potential impact of congestion pricing.
Seattle joins the ranks of large cities like New York City and Los Angeles to get serious about the idea of congestion pricing, or charging more for drivers to enter heavily trafficked areas of the city.
Heidi Groover reports on the findings of a consultant's study [pdf] paid for by the Seattle Department of Transportation into the suddenly fashionable idea.
Groover summarizes the conclusions of the study: "Charging drivers to enter downtown Seattle could ease traffic and curb emissions, but without the proper safeguards also could hit people of color and people with low incomes particularly hard."
Planetizen picked up the news about Seattle's interest in the idea back in April 2018, when the study launched. Mayor Jenny Durkan has expressed support for the idea, even going on the record to support implementation in her first term.
FULL STORY: Would you pay to drive in downtown Seattle? Study looks at the pros and cons of ‘congestion pricing’
Congestion Pricing Gains Traction in Seattle
Congestion pricing is a popular subject of conversation in Seattle, even if the idea hasn't yet proven popular with voters. The city is looking for ways to lead on climate change by reducing emissions from transportation.
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Cordon pricing applied to Manhattan's Central Business District, approved by the state legislature on March 31 and signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on April 1, has the ability to be a game changer for other cities considering similar programs.
Big Surprise: Congestion Pricing Tolls Don't Poll Well
As Seattle prepares a possible cordon area congestion pricing plan to tackle both traffic congestion and climate change, The Seattle Times did a poll on two applications of congestion pricing: urban tolls and adding express toll lanes to freeways.
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Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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