Lessons Learned from the Value Pricing Pilot Program

摘要

Value pricing projects implemented in the U.S. during the past decade haverndemonstrated that pricing can be politically and publicly acceptable – so far, four priced lanernprojects and five variably priced toll facility projects are operating without any significantrnpublic or political controversy. On operating projects, pricing keeps congestion from occurringrnon priced lanes, reduces congestion on toll facilities, changes travel behavior, and improvesrnutilization of existing highway capacity. Revenues from tolls have been used to provide fundingrnfor transportation improvements. Yet, issues remain with regard to public attitudes towardrnprojects involving tolls; equity concerns; and political acceptance. Technical issues includernhigh construction costs that limit self-financing capability; access to and egress from pricedrnlanes within freeways; and difficulties with regard to enforcement of toll exemption restrictionsrnfor high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs) on priced lanes.