Congestion Charging Gains Ground in U.S.

Although a growing number of U.S. cities are implementing congestion charging schemes on existing roads, conflicts on how to use toll revenues and the application of new transportation financing tools could hinder this progress. A total of 24 cities have applied for funds under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Urban Partnership Program, with proposals focusing on congestion pricing along with other initiatives to encourage alternative modes of transportation. However, the Partnership Program, tolling and efforts by the U.S. Department of Transportation to spur private investment in transportation have run into resistance in Congress. The Bush Administration had vowed to veto any new tax or borrowing effort to fund transportation and new federal funding for transportation remains stalled as the Highway Trust Fund heads into deficit. The author concludes that 2009, when the current federal transportation law expires, may be a crucial turning point on whether the government's priority will be on supporting sustainable transportation choices or more highways.