Local transportation leaders say charging for use of all area freeways would reduce congestion and bring more revenue for transit and other projects.
The San Francisco Bay Area’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission has issued a proposal that would charge a per-mile toll for driving on “any major freeway that runs parallel to public transit,” reports Ian Cull for NBC Bay Area.
The agency says the proposal could be one way to reduce congestion and help reach the state’s climate goals. “In one example shared by the MTC, a one-way commute from San Carlos to San Jose would cost about $6 if tolls were put in place by 2035. But transit experts also estimate it would shave about 10 minutes off the commute due to fewer drives[sic] being on the road.”
Under the proposal, low-income households would get a 50 percent discount. Even if the proposal moves forward—for now, it seems to be unpopular among area residents—it would not begin tolling until 2035.
FULL STORY: Bay Area transportation leaders propose all-lane freeway tolling
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