Question

why is congestion pricing controversial and difficult to implement in U.S. cities?

Answer 1

Congestion pricing is controversial and difficult to implement because:

1) It is difficult to ascertain the time period during which congestion pricing is to be charged i.e. during peak hours or throughout the day.

2) Low income drivers who do not live near a transit system and live far away from workplace have to rely upon cars and imposing congestion fee would be an additional financial burden.

3) Congestion charges would discourage use of parking spaces and other commercial utilities thereby resulting in decrease in revenue and causing financial losses.

4) Institutional issues such as legislative issues, planning processes , internal and external structures , interagency agreements etc also make implementation difficult and congestion pricing controversial.