On Friday, a leading national think tank on transportation issues released its study on congestion pricing and principles cities can use to develop viable programs while maintaining sustainability and equity.
The report, Congestion Pricing in the United States: Principles for Developing a Viable Program to Advance Sustainability and Equity Goals, provides cities with 10 principles to help cities work through the political, institutional, and communication challenges presented by congestion pricing.
Congestion pricing is assessing a fee on transportation modes during the busiest times of the day to reduce demand and incentivizing drivers to switch to other modes of transportation, seek other routes or travel at different times.
The report separated the principles into three stages of a congestion pricing development program and, using real-world examples, illustrates how cities can best work through the hurdles each of the stages faces. The program is separated into the idea stage, the planning stage, and the proposal stage.
Eno said during the initial stage, one principle to follow is to have a policy with a clear vision and purpose. Citing New York City’s upcoming congestion pricing program, the organization said cities that position the policy with a “bold rationale aimed at achieving local goals,” are more likely to gain broad public support.
The organization also said that in the planning stage, cities and locations should make sure to address equity, but during the process of developing a program and within the policy itself.
“Two strategies for ensuring equity are to engage diverse stakeholders early and conduct data-driven analysis to identify effects on vulnerable populations. To engage its community, Portland, Oregon has established a Pricing Options for Equitable Mobility Community Task Force to advise the city on potential pricing strategies,” the report said.
And lastly, the organization said locations considering a congestion pricing program should limit the number of exemptions put in place for the congestion charges. By exempting more than essential services, cities and locations can undermine their plan’s effectiveness.
Eno will hold a webinar on the report on May 28.