research report

Equitable Congestion Pricing

Publication Date

December 1, 2020

Associated Project

Author(s)

Brittany White, Mollie Cohen D'Agostino, Paige Pellaton

Areas of Expertise

Safety, Public Health, & Mobility Justice Transportation Economics, Funding, & Finance

Abstract

Congestion pricing can be an equitable policy strategy. This project consisted of a review of case studies of existing and planned congestion pricing strategies in North America (Vancouver, Seattle, and New York) and elsewhere (Singapore, London, Stockholm, and Gothenburg). The analysis shows that the most equitable congestion pricing systems include 1) meaningful community-engagement processes to help policymakers identify equitable priorities; 2) pricing structures that strike a balance between efficiency and equity, while encouraging multi-modal travel; 3) clear plans for investing congestion pricing revenues to equalize the costs and benefits of congestion relief; and lastly, 4) a comprehensive data reporting plan to ensure equity goals are achieved. This project was developed to support the San Francisco County Transportation Authority in its efforts to conduct the Downtown Congestion Project.