NCHRP Synthesis 686 was completed in 2011. Multiple case studies were examined. The following pricing concepts were reviewed:
- Conversion of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) to high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes
- Variable pricing on new or rehabilitated facilities
- Variable pricing on existing toll facilities
- Area wide or cordon pricing
- Distance based pricing or mileage fees
- Variable pricing applied to parking
The overarching goal of this project is to help state, regional, and local decision makers and planners to:
- Understand a range of road pricing concepts
- Determine which concepts may be most applicable, effective, and acceptable in light of the local environment and objectives
- Provide lessons on communicating pricing proposals and developing project plans for best chances of successful implementation
- Integrate pricing plans into regional and state planning processes to advance implementation
This report focuses on road pricing where the primary objective is the reduction of congestion and associated problems while potentially supplementing or replacing declining traditional sources of transportation finance. The report aims at the audience
of planners who are interested in knowing more about potential, status, and key planning considerations for road pricing.
The Transportation Research Board sponsored a study entitled "Road Pricing - Public Perceptions and Program Development," the overarching goal of which was to assist planners and decision makers with understanding the state of practice of road pricing concepts; identify available applications; use lessons learned to improve project planning; and help local planners align pricing plans with regional or higher level strategies. The following pricing concepts were examined:
- Conversion of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) to high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes
- Variable pricing on new or rehabilitated facilities
- Variable pricing on existing toll facilities
- Area wide or cordon pricing
- Distance based pricing or mileage fees
- Variable pricing applied to parking
Numerous key planning considerations and lessons learned were gathered from literature reviews and interviews with practitioners. Examples highlighted in the study are summarized below.
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