During the planned expansion of the I-15 HOT lanes in San Diego a survey of facility users found that 71 percent considered the extension fair with few differences based on ethnicity or income.

Experience with road pricing projects around the globe

Date Posted
11/30/2011
Identifier
2011-B00769
TwitterLinkedInFacebook

NCHRP Synthesis 686: Road Pricing - Public Perceptions and Program Development

Summary Information

NCHRP Synthesis 686 was completed in 2011. Multiple case studies were examined. The following pricing concepts were reviewed:

  • Conversion of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) to high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes
  • Variable pricing on new or rehabilitated facilities
  • Variable pricing on existing toll facilities
  • Area wide or cordon pricing
  • Distance based pricing or mileage fees
  • Variable pricing applied to parking

The overarching goal of this project is to help state, regional, and local decision makers and planners to:

  • Understand a range of road pricing concepts
  • Determine which concepts may be most applicable, effective, and acceptable in light of the local environment and objectives
  • Provide lessons on communicating pricing proposals and developing project plans for best chances of successful implementation
  • Integrate pricing plans into regional and state planning processes to advance implementation

This report focuses on road pricing where the primary objective is the reduction of congestion and associated problems while potentially supplementing or replacing declining traditional sources of transportation finance. The report aims at the audience
of planners who are interested in knowing more about potential, status, and key planning considerations for road pricing.

FINDINGS

Conversion of HOV lanes to HOT lanes

In San Diego and Minneapolis, HOT lanes received a high level of support across all income groups.

Variable pricing on new or rehabilitated facilities

Historical data indicated that income equity issues have not been a road block to variable pricing programs. During the planned expansion of the I-15 HOT lanes a survey of facility users found that 71 percent considered the extension fair with few differences based on ethnicity or income.

Data collected from the SR-91 project indicated that express lanes usage increased across all modes and income groups. The percentage of trips for the lowest and highest income groups (20 percent and 50 percent) stabilized over time.

Deployment Locations