Urban Traffic Congestion Pricing: Literature Review and Real-world Applications

Abstract

Traffic congestion has become one of the most pressing problems for metropolitan cities around the world. Hence, the introduction of congestion pricing is often debated in many larger cities, yet only few have successfully implemented it so far. This thesis reviews the contemporary body of literature over the past decade and real-world applications of urban traffic congestion pricing. Through a systematic literature search and classification process, three overarching themes are identified: 1) the effectiveness of congestion pricing practices; 2) main obstacles including public acceptability and equity concern; and 3) scheme optimization. This study further identifies secondary effects as the neglected area that require more attention in future research. Based on the findings, the study analytically discussed three influential real-world cases: Milan, Gothenburg, and New York City. The high public acceptability of Milan’s Area C plan can be explained from its detailed scheme design. The case in Gothenburg is criticized for hasty implementation and lack of in-depth research and detailed scheme design. New York City has experienced tortuous process before the final approval, and it will still face the challenge of equity concern. Based on the literature review and discussion of real-word applications, this study concludes political support is one determining factor of congestion pricing implementation which is as important as public acceptability. Additionally, the significant influential impacts between cases are identified as one propulsion for future development. Finally, prospects for widespread implementation in developing cities and American cities are explored and assessed as challenging.