'Mobility Pricing' on the Table in Vancouver

More study is needed, but the concept of driving people to drive around metropolitan Vancouver has passed its first test.

1 minute read

May 25, 2018, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


British Columbia

EB Adventure Photography / Shutterstock

Justin McElroy reports that the Mobility Pricing Independent Commission recently presented a report on congestion pricing to the TransLink board of directors and the Metro Vancouver Mayors' Council.

The report supported the idea of congestion pricing, but called for Translink to study the idea further "to fully optimize the benefits for Metro Vancouver."

"The report outlines two different ways that mobility pricing could be implemented: through a series of fees and checkpoints throughout the region (predominately at bridges), or by distance-based fees," according to McElroy.

The report represents a preliminary first step toward the adoption of congestion pricing. If the concept survives what's expected to be a very difficult political process, it could be five to ten years before a system in implemented.

Thursday, May 24, 2018 in CBC News

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist