Traveler Reactions to Congestion Pricing Concepts for New York’s Tappan Zee Bridge

The findings from a comprehensive evaluation of traveler reactions to congestion pricing concepts for the Tappan Zee Bridge in Westchester County, New York, are described. Central to the Tappan Zee Bridge Congestion Relief Study is an analysis of traveler reactions to congestion pricing concepts. The bridge is already tolled and the existing structure of steep commuter discounts for passenger vehicles runs directly counter to the pricing schemes that would be used to reduce peak-period delays. A comprehensive program of qualitative and quantitative survey research was specified to determine how corridor travelers felt about congestion pricing concepts and to determine how they would be likely to behave if the concepts were implemented. The focus groups conducted as part of the study have indicated—as had previous studies—that before travelers support congestion pricing concepts, they must understand the congestion benefits and believe that these benefits will accrue. The quantitative surveys found that many travelers have flexibility in the timing of their trips and would exercise that flexibility in response to tolls that varied by time of day. The surveys also found that when the congestion pricing concept and its potential benefits were explained, a slight majority favored it. Finally, the level of support did not appear to differ significantly across gender or income categories.