From freeway to feeway: congestion pricing policies for B.C.'s Fraser River crossings

Greater Vancouver’s Fraser River crossings face sizeable traffic demand that results in heavy congestion. This study develops and assesses road pricing policy alternatives that would reduce the economic externalities of congestion on these crossings. Based on current traffic flows, target traffic flows and assumed price elasticities of demand, a simple model is assembled that estimates requisite congestion charge levels by time of day. Case studies of London, Toronto and Orange County (California) provide insights on the effectiveness of different road pricing schemes and highlight the critical factors to be considered when developing a pricing scheme. Pricing policy alternatives that reflect the uniqueness of Greater Vancouver transportation are then built using the estimated required charges and data from the case studies. These alternatives are assessed against a multi-criteria framework. The study recommends a new congestion pricing policy for the George Massey Tunnel, and the Alex Fraser, Pattullo and Port Mann bridges.