In November 2003, approximately 160 people assembled in Key Biscayne, Florida, to participate in the International Symposium on Road Pricing. Fifteen countries were represented, and the exchange of information on policies and approaches adopted throughout the world was one of the symposium’s most noteworthy features. The conference also benefited from the breadth of sectors represented; participants and speakers included members of academia and researchers, public officials from all levels of government, consultants, interest group and association representatives, and individuals from financial and legal firms. The conference was a collaborative effort of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), the Florida Department of Transportation, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Federal Highway Administration. The symposium was conducted under the auspices of TRB’s parent organization, the National Research Council (NRC). In cooperation with OECD, a specially appointed NRC committee developed the symposium to explore American and international applications of road pricing strategies in various governmental and socioeconomic settings. The participants discussed the rationale and motivations for implementing pricing strategies, the use of pricing revenues, and project outcomes. Drawing on resource papers, presentations, and symposium discussions, the conference committee evaluated the current state of practice, assessed future directions and opportunities, and identified research and information needs. (Author/publisher)
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