variable pricing

The Federal Highway Administration has a Federal Register listing formally inviting applications for another round of grants for variable toll or 'value pricing' projects through fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

A survey of toll express lanes users on I-394 showing a high level of satisfaction has been released by Minnesota DOT. 91% of those enrolled in the  'MnPASS' branded program expressed satisfaction.

Tyler Duvall, until recently undersecretary for policy at US Department of Transportation says that of all the major problems of middle class America traffic congestion is the most readily solved.  The media focus on "crumbling infrastructure" but the bigger drain on middle class standards of living is highway congestion. Yet the root cause of congestion is the failure to price scarce roadspace flexibly.

Toronto's 407ETR has announced a new toll policy in which tolls will be raised most aggressively on the busiest segments in peak hours. Light vehicle tolls (<5 tons) are increasing from 17.6c/km to 19.25c/km (28.3c/mi to 32c/mile) or by 9.4% in peak hours on the busy 8 and 10 lane central stretch between Highway 401 and Highway 404. (All based on Cc=USc)

That's a 1.65c/km increase (2.7c/mi). The toll increases will apply from Feb 1.