The political calculus of congestion pricing
Type
Article
Year
2007
Level
City or Town
State(s)
California
Policy Areas
Democracy & Governance, Transportation & Mobility
The political feasibility of congestion pricing is hindered by the challenge of gaining initial support. Local officials should distribute toll revenue to cities through which the freeways pass, creating a strong constituency that benefits directly from the revenue, thereby increasing political support for congestion pricing. The proposal suggests that cities are better claimants for toll revenue than regional authorities, and highlights successful examples from Los Angeles and San Diego.