Is congestion pricing unfair to poor people? Rand has released an Environmental Defense Fund-sponsored report, "Equity and Congestion Pricing" that attempts to answer this question and report on other equity-related aspects of congestion pricing.
"Congestion pricing to improve traffic flow is most effective when transportation planners incorporate equity goals into the early planning stages of a pricing program, according to a new study produced by the RAND Corporation and sponsored by Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)."
"This study of all the literature on the subject shows that congestion pricing can reduce congestion, reduce air pollution and improve mobility and access for everyone. Planners just have to design the system with these (equity) goals in mind," said Kathryn Phillips, an EDF transportation policy advocate."
Congestion pricing "policies impose a cost on driving in a location that previously was free, critics often suggest that it will disproportionately impact lower-income drivers, so some would be "priced off" the roads."
"Fortunately, these potential inequities can be offset. Three methods to promote equitable outcomes include revenue redistribution and discounts and exemptions."
From Report (Preface):
"Transportation policymakers are increasingly considering congestion pricing a promising option for addressing urban traffic-congestion problems. While some congestion pricing
projects have been undertaken in the United States, many proposals have been rejected based on worries that congestion pricing is inequitable. The goal of this report is to look at the evidence that might support or negate this claim."
Thanks to Kathryn Phillips
FULL STORY: Congestion Pricing Is Most Effective When Fairness Concerns Addressed Early, New Study Finds
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.