Variable toll pricing program, Lee County, Florida - Revealed preference telephone survey findings
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abstract
Variable time-of-day toll pricing was introduced in Lee County, Florida, in August 1998, on two of the areas five bridges. Discounted tolls were offered to drivers with transponders (required for electronic toll collection) traveling in time periods just before and after typical peak demand travel periods. A telephone survey of 400 Lee County residents was conducted in late 1998. This survey was designed to collect information on driver travel behavior and determine participation levels in the variable pricing program. The survey found that the true participation level in the variable pricing program is in the range of 2.25 percent to 9.25 percent of survey respondents. The survey also examined potential adverse effects of changes in toll prices (induced demand, changes in mode of travel); perceptions of inequity by those unable to benefit from time-of-day toll pricing; and the socioeconomic characteristics of variable pricing participants. Eligibility for the discounted tolls was restricted to only those drivers who pay their tolls electronically. Participants and nonparticipants in the variable pricing program appear to differ by type of employment and household type. Those stating they do participate in variable pricing were less likely to be employed full time than those who do not participate. Differences were also found in the primary trip purposes of participants and nonparticipants. Commuters and drivers on work-related travel were less likely to participate in the program. It can be inferred that those with flexibility in their travel plans can, and do, change their travel to take advantage of the variably priced tolls.
