A Potential Path for Road Pricing in DC

In a post in Greater Greater Washington, D. Taylor Reich outlines the results of a study on how road pricing similar to New York City’s new congestion pricing program could work in Washington, D.C.

After building a prototype software program to model changes in transportation behavior, Reich assessed the potential impact of a $5 charge on cars entering one part of the District. According to Reich’s simulation, which includes reinvesting road pricing revenue into public transit, “This particular combination of road pricing and reinvestment would make travel 10% more convenient for lower-income Washingtonians, have a negligible benefit for the average DC resident, and make travel 2% less convenient for the average resident of the greater metro area.”

The model also indicates there would be a 10 percent drop in driving in D.C. and a three percent drop in the metro area. “This reduction in car travel would bring second-order benefits in emissions, road safety, and noise pollution.”

As Reich notes, “Some people would benefit more, while others would lose out—but on the whole, reinvestment in public transportation would mean a major improvement for lower-income people, especially those in more central areas. Moreover, the reduction in car travel would bring other, indirect benefits for the environment and public health.”