Seattle to Consider Congestion Pricing

"Seattle will develop a plan to toll city roadways as part of its efforts to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse-gas emissions," reports David Gutman.

"Details of what such a plan might look like are sparse, and will hinge on a tolling study focused on downtown neighborhoods that should have initial results later this year," adds Gutman.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced the plan, so the concept of congestion pricing has more than a little support from its political leadership. Mayor Durkan also congestion could be in place by the end of her first term, in 2021.

Seattle made news last week for approving citywide parking reform that will lower parking requirements in transit oriented neighborhoods and for affordable housing. If congestion pricing were approved in Seattle, the city would take a national leadership role, by far, in approving policies to discourage driving and mitigate congestion.

An article by Angie Schmitt provides more details on the benefits of congestion pricing, such as for public health outcomes, for the international cities that have instituted the policy.