Congestion pricing is viewed as the gold standard policy for managing traffic on freeways and highways. This approach involves charging drivers tolls when they use a road, with prices increasing during the busiest times such as morning and evening rush hours. The intention is to discourage drivers from using their own cars and instead use alternative transportation options. However, congestion pricing does come with concerns related to equity for low-income drivers. 

A new report by UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies researchers outlines ways that California could implement congestion pricing while minimizing financial burden on low-income residents. 

In the context of the study, “vulnerable” residents were defined as those with a household income below 200% of the federal poverty level — this would be $55,500 or less for a family of four. The focus of the study further narrowed in on vulnerable households which also had at least one household member driving during peak congestion periods on a freeway.  

Researchers suggest that the most promising solution to address equity concerns is to provide direct cash assistance to low-income residents, with the funds coming from congestion pricing toll revenue. The study also suggests that county governments could identify eligible people by looking at households already eligible for existing programs such as SNAP or housing and utilities subsidies. 

Learn more about congestion pricing and the new report at UCLA Newsroom. 

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