This paper describes preliminary results of the Puget Sound region's Traffic Choices Study, a demand pricing project in a large metropolitan regionthat combines a physical experiment with 500 volunteer vehicles in a controlled research environment, an existing off-the shelf GPS and GSM based in-vehicle and central system tolling solution, with an extensive analytical design that examines behavioral responses to road pricing. The project combines, in a unique way, a test of technology, public behavior and attitudes, with the collection of large-scale price response data for use in other analytical efforts. The long-term goal of the project is to provide objective and encompassing data to investigate and refine policy issues and questions regarding the future of demand pricing, laying the groundwork forone future finance option for investments in the Puget Sound region's roadway network. A significant and unique aspect of this project is that it represents the first time that a facility-based toll system encompasses anentire region, covering arterial as well as freeway facilities. For the covering abstract see ITRD E134653.
Abstract