California Drivers Pay For Freedom from Freeways

"In the late 1950s a Columbia University economist proposed that cities could reduce traffic by using electronic systems to make drivers pay for the privilege of driving on urban streets. Although successful in London and Paris, New York City's congestion pricing plan remains a Mayor Bloomberg dream. Meanwhile, California's Route 91 in Orange County charges tolls ranging from $1.85 at noon to $9.25 during rush hour. There is a free parallel road that some pay to avoid during rush hour. In San Diego, high occupancy lanes can be used by individual drivers willing to pay fees that vary throughout the day depending on traffic conditions. Kenneth Small, University of California at Irvine economics professor explains, 'People are willing to pay for that time savings, and the price can be adjusted in such a way that you keep the lanes pretty full but don't become overloaded.'"

"However, drivers believe driving should be free. George Mason University professor Alexander Tabarrock says 'Everyone accepts that if your car is stationary, it's fine to pay for parking. But if you tell people they have to pay to move their car between two points, they think it's crazy.'"