INSTITUTIONAL AND POLITICAL ISSUES IN CONGESTION PRICING: A SCENARIO FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Political and institutional issues continue to be major barriers in the implementation of congestion pricing. The Federal Highway Administration's congestion pricing pilot program, initiated under the Intermodal surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991, has generated considerable interest in at least exploring the option at the local level. Based on experience with a citizens jury in the Twin Cities, the pilot project approach was the most appropriate one. Citizens wanted to see examples of where congestion pricing had worked in the United States before seriously considering the approach. Focus groups conducted in a number of major cities with citizens representing transportation professionals, businesses, and community interests reveal specific preferences for how to approach the implementation of congestion pricing. Even though the pilot project funding authority has been rescinded by Congress, local areas may still choose to go forward with congestion pricing projects with the potential of future assistance from the FHWA.