San Francisco weighing rush-hour congestion fee for motorists.....

[marmar]

from the SF Chronicle:



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

[sarcasmo]

1. More Taxation whether you like it or not.

[wuushew]

2. Yes, but congestion also has a real cost

Why oppose something that leads to a better operating traffic system?

[marmar]

3. Smart taxation.....I've visited London pre- and post-congestion tax....

And Central London is a much better place to be post-congestion tax. It's speeded up traffic and gotten rid of some of that acrid vehicle exhaust. And it's made taking the bus a viable transportation option, as the buses aren't stuck in traffic going nowhere anymore. And Central London is as lively as it's ever been.

[The2ndWheel]

4. Just the further regimentation of life

And I haven't owned a car, don't own a car, and have no plans of owning a car.

[Sebastian Doyle]

5. Here's why this is fucked up

1) You can't get in or out of San Francisco without paying a goddamn toll at a bridge anyway.

2) The city has a fucking major US highway (101) going right through the middle of it. It's probably the only major US city left that you can't get around by some sort of bypass. And not really any way to build one either.

[ThomWV]

6. If it is true that time is money then they are already paying