Congestion Pricing

About Those $40 Charges on Virginia's I-66

The peak tolls achieved during the first week of operation of the new HOT lanes on I-66 in Virginia raised eyebrows this week. Here's a closer look at the data behind the new system.

December 9, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Street Traffic in Manhattan

Big Push for Congestion Pricing Expected Early Next Year in New York

Ten years after former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan died on the state Assembly floor, expect to see a similar plan revived by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.). New York Times metro reporter, Winnie Hu, explains why it never died.

December 7, 2017 - The New York Times

I-66 Virginia

New Tolls on I-66 in Virginia Hit $40 on Day Two

The idea behind congestion pricing is to create at least some disincentive for driving. The new tolls I-66, which reached $34.50 on Monday and $40 on Tuesday, are certainly accomplishing that goal.

December 7, 2017 - The Washington Post

Subway Turnstiles

Why Can't Congestion Pricing Cover the Cost of Public Transit?

In the continuing debate over congestion pricing in New York, Adele Peters asks if transit advocates are stopping short of what they should be asking for: free transit for all of New York.

December 5, 2017 - Fast Company

Illinois Freeway

Chicago Needs Congestion Pricing

The Chicago Tribune's editorial board argues that congestion pricing will not only decrease congestion, but also make the city more attractive to people and businesses.

November 8, 2017 - Chicago Tribune

E-470 Toll

New Texas Express Lanes Pricey but Popular

In a series of articles by Austin-based KXAN-TV, reporters examine the new MoPac Express Lane, now in full operation more than two years behind schedule. Despite significant construction setbacks, the congestion-priced lanes are well-used.

November 1, 2017 - KXAN

Bay Bridge Toll

Analysis Debunks Equity Criticism of Congestion Pricing

Oregon's recently approved gas tax legislation also calls for tolling of I-205 and I-5 in the Portland metro area, with the application of value or congestion pricing so peak period tolls would be higher, which have raised equity concerns.

October 24, 2017 - City Observatory

Bay Area's Newest Express Lanes Opened Monday

Due to the high level of existing congestion, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission warns motorists that the new I-680 Contra Costa Express Lanes will offer relief just before and after the peak commute hour.

October 11, 2017 - SF Gate

Traffic

Op-Ed: Given the Chance, Congestion Pricing Would Ease America's Traffic Woes

Amanda Eaken offers up a defense of "Go Zones," otherwise known as congestion pricing. In Los Angeles and elsewhere, she argues, they could thin out traffic.

September 17, 2017 - NRDC

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Could Charge Non-Residents to Drive in Congested Areas

If this solution from a regional planning agency gains traction, New York City may have some competition to become the first American city to implement congestion pricing.

September 15, 2017 - KPCC

Governor Andrew Cuomo

How NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Came to Support Congestion Pricing

Gov. Andrew Cuomo was not an early endorser of congestion pricing. Why the sudden embrace, particularly when Mayor Bill de Blasio is opposed? Turns out that electronic tolling technology, embraced by the MTA, appears to have moved the governor.

August 29, 2017 - The New York Times

Congestion Pricing

Congestion Pricing Could Be Fairer Than the Status Quo

A timely debate, as New York City debates a congestion pricing scheme proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and California looks for ways to reduce emissions from transportation.

August 23, 2017 - 100 Hours

New York Traffic

Praise for Gov. Andrew Cuomo from New York Times on Cordon Pricing

Thanks to the governor's support, there is reason for optimism that a plan to charge motorists entering Manhattan below 60th St. and toll the East River bridges will have a better outcome than Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan did in April 2008.

August 23, 2017 - The New York Times

Inland Empire

Is the Era of the 'Free' Freeway Coming to an End?

No one's suggesting that freeways will be converted to tollways, but a pattern is emerging that when freeways are widened, express lanes, financed in part by user fees, are being added rather than mixed-flow lanes. Case in point: the Inland Empire.

August 18, 2017 - Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Taxis

Congestion Pricing Finds New Life in New York City

Eight years ago, a proposal to charge on drivers entering the most congested parts of Manhattan was soundly defeated when it moved from the city to the state. Now the idea is being revisited again, with support from the governor.

August 14, 2017 - The New York Times

Toll Roads

Defending Road Pricing from Public Opinion

Access Magazine takes a deep dive into congestion management, explaining the reasoning behind a publicly unpopular strategy: road pricing.

July 17, 2017 - Access Magazine

Only a Year Old, Bay Area's Newest Express Lanes Rated a Success

A report produced by the county authority that built and operates the I-580 Express Lanes in the Bay Area declares them a success. Operating speeds are faster and congestion is reduced. About 11 percent of the freeway traffic uses the toll lanes.

March 21, 2017 - SF Gate

Bay Bridge, New Year's Eve

Bay Area Voters May Be Asked to Hike Bridge Tolls 60 Percent

Before the ballot measure would go to voters, state legislation needs to be written, passed, and signed by Gov. Brown. The first step was taken Dec. 14, when the region's planning agency discussed the option. Tolls are $5, last raised $1 in 2010.

December 19, 2016 - SF Gate

Toll Road

Texas Would Need $24 Billion to End Highway Tolls

Texas politicians are wondering how much it would cost to remove tolls from hundreds of miles of roads around the state. Though the political cost of tolling is high, the actual cost, it turns out, is higher.

September 1, 2016 - Houston Chronicle

Commuter Traffic

Congestion Pricing Requires a Careful Balance

Congestion pricing is an economic tool for a difficult, complicated problem, and must be calculated carefully to avoid unintended consequences.

August 1, 2016 - Neighborhood Effects

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