This report describes the fundamental principles and analytical framework to determine efficient congestion tolls. It proposes four scenarios for the introduction of congestion pricing in an Australian city. It provides estimates on efficient tolls, road demand changes, revenues and benefit. Four different packages of measures to distribute the toll revenue are described. These measures include: extra road funds, better public transport, fuel levy replacement, motorist rebates, extra services for safety and environment, and property rebates. With congestion pricing introduced only on main roads and in the CBD in peak and inter-peak periods, the gross revenue is estimated to be $1.3 billion for Melbourne in 1992 prices. The collection cost would be about 13 per cent if electronic toll technologies are available. These are only indicative values illustrating the scale of revenue and benefit achievable with congestion pricing. The impacts of congestion pricing on individuals are analysed. The analysis considers the congestion tolls paid by an individual and the amount of benefit that the person receives from the distribution of toll revenue. The results suggest that the low income household would receive almost no net benefit whereas the high income earner would benefit substantially from a scheme that hypothecates the toll revenue for the benefit of the community. (A)
Samenvatting