Consideration of Congestion Pricing and Managed Lanes in Metropolitan Transportation Planning

Abstract

Under FHWA sponsorship, DKS Associates conducted a national scan of how agencies in major metropolitan areas are developing plans for congestion pricing, managed lanes, or both. Staff members from the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) and the state department of transportation (DOT) in 10 metropolitan areas were surveyed to find out how they are including consideration of congestion pricing, managed lanes, or both in their metropolitan planning processes and the development of long-range transportation plans for the region. In addition, the study team identified projects already in operation in each region, those already in the long-range plan, and those being considered. The study results reported in this paper focused on how the MPOs, state DOTs, and other key agencies interact, contribute, and cooperate in considering congestion pricing or managed lanes. The study also produced information on methods used to evaluate these strategies, including modeling tools used, performance measures used, and how network effects, diversion of trips, and equity effects are taken into account. The study identified how federal grants were used to fund studies and projects in the early stages of consideration of congestion pricing or managed lanes in the 10 regions. Public and stakeholder involvement methods used by the MPOs and state DOTs to advance projects were also identified.