SWUTC Research Project Description
Title of Project: A Dynamic Tolling Method for Truck-Only Toll Facilities
Project Number: 476660-00064
Principal Investigator:
Michael Walton
(512) 471-1414
P.I. Affiliation: University of Texas at Austin
Project Monitor:
Phil Russell
Texas Turnpike Authority Division
Texas Department of Transportation
(512) 936-0903
Project Status: Active
Date Started: 9/1/07
Estimation Completion Date: 8/31/08
Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal: $60,000
Estimated Cost - Total Planned: $60,000
Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
With passenger and commercial vehicle volumes continuing to grow, America’s already crowded highway network is becoming increasingly more congested. Since nearly all U.S. freight travels by truck at some point in its supply chain, in a growing worldwide market place, ensuring the continued safe and efficient flow of this freight is vital to maintain the health and competitiveness of the U.S. economy. In many urban areas, traffic levels are reaching critical levels of congestion that must be addressed; according to the Federal Highway Administration, time spent idling on these highways by trucks already costs the U.S. economy nearly $8 billion per year. Particularly in sectors of the trucking industry where delivery time reliability is vital, urban congestion is an important concern.
In order to improve freight flows through such a region, the state of Georgia plans to construct a network of truck-only toll (TOT) lanes. Truck-only toll facilities allow trucks to pay a fee to travel in a limited access lane adjacent to a “free” facility; this lane uses dynamic tolling to control congestion levels and maintain a minimum level of service. Feasibility studies examining pricing for these facilities have used toll rate structures within which rates vary according to real-time traffic information; however, they did not allow for any variation between trucks and truck classes. With continuing development of advanced technologies already widely applied in truck applications for vehicle identification and weigh-in-motion (WIM), a system that would apply both of these to allow for dynamic pricing within which rates would vary according to real-time traffic, real-time weight, and vehicle identification information is becoming increasingly feasible.
The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for developing toll rates for application on truck-only toll (TOT) lanes. The methodology will consider not only the real-time traffic variable currently used for dynamic tolling of high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, but will also incorporate real-time weight and additional vehicle identification information.
Project Objectives:
The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for developing toll rates for application on truck-only toll (TOT) lanes. The methodology will consider not only the real-time traffic variable currently used for dynamic tolling of high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, but will also incorporate real-time weight and additional vehicle identification information.
Task Descriptions:
Task 1: Perform a thorough literature review of dynamic tolling concepts, with a particular focus on truck applications.
Task 2: Perform an updated review of available weigh-in-motion and vehicle identification technologies to identify those appropriate for potential application in a dynamic truck tolling scheme.
Task 3: Identify the variables that must be accounted for in optimal toll rates, including vehicle, traffic, and infrastructure characteristics, as well as social and economic impacts.
Task 4: Develop a conceptual plan for a dynamic truck tolling scheme.
Task 5: Develop a methodology for optimizing toll rates under the proposed scheme.
Task 6: Evaluate the costs and benefits of applying a dynamic truck tolling schemes.
Task 7: Complete a final report detailing study results.
Index Terms:
Commercial Vehicles, User-charging