Citation

de Corla-Souza P. Public Works Manag. Policy 2005; 9(3): 196-205.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1087724X04271131

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The House reauthorization bill, H.R. 3550, eliminates current opportunities available to States to use variable pricing to reduce congestion under the existing Value Pricing Pilot Program. This article presents an innovative road-pricing strategy that could make great strides in achieving national, state, and local transportation goals. Known as FAIR (fast and intertwined regular) highway networks, the strategy converts the existing metropolitan freeway network during peak periods only into a premium-service, free-flowing freeway network that provides new fast, frequent, and inexpensive bus service, free premium service for carpools, and premium service for single-occupant vehicles paying a toll that varies to manage demand and keep the freeway congestion free. A FAIR highway network will be self-financing and economically efficient. Surpluses may also be available to address new transportation capacity needs in growing areas. The concept can gain support from transportation stakeholders if its benefits are carefully explained and demonstrated through a pilot project.

Language: en