The Role of Pricing in the Nation's Future Transportation System

Pricing as a means of managing demand has been successfully implemented in virtually all segments of the US economy except transportation. This report explores the issue of value pricing and the role pricing could play in our highway system. The many reasons for implementing pricing systems include: providing a more equitable transportation system, relieving congestion, finding an alternative to a fuel-based financing system, and improving mobility, access, and the environment. This report summarizes the key findings from a one-day forum and covers institutional, ownership, and control issues; technical advances; equity issues; and tradeoffs. It also provides examples of pricing systems in use today and describes the Federal Highway Administration’s Value Pricing Pilot Program.