Effects of Full-Facility Variable Tolling on Traveler Behavior: Evidence from a Panel Study of the SR-520 Corridor in Seattle

This paper uses a two-stage panel survey approach, with roughly 2,000 respondent households, to analyze the impacts of a federally sponsored variable tolling program on SR-520 in the Seattle region. The focus is on corridor users’ daily travel choices and opinions. Key survey findings include a marked decrease in respondents’ travel in the corridor after tolling, particularly on SR-520, and significant diversion to nearby toll-free I-90. There were also increases in transit mode share in the corridor, while carpooling and telecommuting levels were relatively stable. In the post-tolling survey, respondents registered an overall increase in satisfaction with their commutes and less stress associated with driving. Reported satisfaction with the speed and reliability of individual trips on SR-520 also increased substantially, and personal attitudes shifted slightly in favor of tolling.

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• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/12125
• Corporate Authors:

  Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

  Economic Analysis Division, 55 Broadway
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Peirce, Sean
  • Puckett, Sean
  • Petrella, Margaret
  • Minnice, Paul
  • Ray, Rosalie
  • Lappin, Jane
• Publication Date: 2013-10-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 115p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Carpools; Congestion pricing; Modal shift; Panel studies; Telecommuting; Travel behavior; Variable tolls
• Identifier Terms: Washington State Route 520
• Uncontrolled Terms: Driver satisfaction
• Geographic Terms: Seattle (Washington)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01560336
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 11 2015 5:36PM