San Francisco Chronicle: S.F. considers congestion tolls on cars

S.F. considers congestion tolls on cars
Michael Cabanatuan, Chronicle Staff Writer

Wednesday, November 26, 2008


Drivers could pay $3 to enter, leave or pass through parts of San Francisco during morning and evening commutes under a proposal designed to push motorists out of their cars.

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority, which has been studying the idea of imposing congestion-based tolls on city streets for nearly two years, released some of the details of its study Tuesday at a meeting of its board, which is made up of the 11 members of the Board of Supervisors.

The board won't consider recommending a congestion toll plan until February, but members nodded their heads during the report, and at least three, Jake McGoldrick, Tom Ammiano and Ross Mirkarimi, offered words of support.

"Clearly, I like where this is going," said Mirkarimi.

The congestion toll, if implemented, would be the first in the nation. Similar tolls, also known as cordon tolls, have been used in London and Stockholm, where they're credited with reducing traffic congestion, air pollution and miles driven. They also have raised tens of millions annually for public transportation improvements.

While many of the details are still being studied, Zabe Bent, principal planner for the authority, said a $3 toll was chosen because it would probably influence how many people choose to drive versus walking, biking or taking transit. .......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/25/MNS614C8S1.DTL&tsp=1

They're still screaming in London, where the congestion charge has proven to be a resounding success (though you'd never know it from reading the right-wing British press.)