The Stockholm road pricing model: outcomes and lessons learned from the point of view of the public transport organiser - SL

摘要

From beginning of 2006 a full scale 7 months test was made of a system for congestion charges for the central part of the Swedish capital, Stockholm, the objectives being less congestion and better environment in central Stockholm. This initiative from the Swedish government was to be performed well before the general elections in September 2006. The test was fully financed by the government. The public transport services - performed by AB Storstockholms Lokaltrafik ("SL") were substantially extended before, during and after the test to meet new passengers. During the test period approx 40 000 more passengers used the SL services every day, which corresponds to an increase of 140 000 boardings (+6%). SL had - and still has - approx 680 000 daily passengers. The traffic concept consisted of: -new direct bus routes to the inner city; -improved accessibility for bus traffic; -extended services in underground and commuter train systems, within the constraints of existing infrastructure; -additional park-and-ride facilities. The reduction of car use was stronger than expected as was the number of people using the SL services. The test was a great success from the point of view of public transport. Not only did we succeed in planning and realising the substantially extended traffic services within time limit, but also to make our new passengers aware of the new travel options and satisfied. After the test a special congestion charge referendum was held on the same day as the general elections, September 2006. The new conservative government has decided to introduce a permanent system of congestion charges from summer 2007 using the same concept and covering the same area as did the test.