Report on the Value Pricing Pilot Program Through April 2009

Federal Highway Administration2009PDFTech ReportFederal Highway Administration (U.S.)Federal Highway Administration (U.S.)United StatesPolicyCongestion pricingTraffic congestionTollsCongestion pricing works by shifting some rush hour highway travel to other transportation modes or off-peak periods and by encouraging solo drivers to carpool or forgo making a trip altogether. By removing a fraction (even as small as 5 percent) of the vehicles from a congested roadway, pricing enables the traffic to flow much more efficiently, allowing more vehicles to move through the same physical space.1 Although drivers unfamiliar with the concept initially have questions and concerns, drivers who are more experienced with congestion pricing usually support it because it offers them a reliable trip time. Transit and ridesharing advocates also appreciate the ability of congestion pricing projects to generate revenue and the financial incentives that make alternatives to driving more attractive.104