| Summary: | The traditional response of governments to the problem of traffic congestion has been to increase
transport capacity. This policy focus has not been effective. Despite significant investment in
highways, roads, and public transit, traffic conditions in most major cities continue to deteriorate.
Furthermore, increased public awareness of the environmental effects of the automobile together
with the fiscal reality facing all governments in Canada reduces the capacity for future road
building projects. A new approach to urban transport policy is therefore required.
Road pricing has long been advocated by economists as a means of making more efficient use of
the road network. Unlike traditional flat rate tolls, road pricing charges would vary based on
prevailing traffic conditions. Charging motorists for road space during congested peak periods
would induce some motorists to switch to alternate modes or to make their trips at less congested
times.
Despite its economic rational, road pricing has yet to be implemented on a wide scale. Previous
road pricing schemes have tended to focus on economic and technical issues to the exclusion of
political concerns. In virtually all cases where road pricing has been proposed, political opposition
has caused road pricing plans to be significantly scaled back or abandoned all together. If road
pricing is to be implemented, future plans will have to address political as well as economic and
technical issues.
This thesis examines the political and economic issues raised by road pricing. Using Greater
Vancouver as a case study, the thesis seeks answers to the key design questions involved in
implementing a road pricing system. The principle findings of this research are: (1) road pricing
should be presented as a means of making better use of the region's transportation system, not as
a source of government revenue; (2) road pricing revenues should be used to improve transit, offset
existing taxes, and promote high density housing along major transit corridors; (3) road pricing
should be implemented on the Lions Gate Bridge as a demonstration project; and (4) road pricing
measures should be integrated with transportation and land development policies.
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