SWUTC Research Project Description
Methods to Maximize Toll Revenues
University: Texas A&M University
Principal Investigator:
Curtis Beaty
Texas Transportation Institute
(979) 845-6043
Funding Source: SPR Program
Total Project Cost: $127,229
Project Number: 0-6737
Date Started: 9/1/12
Estimated Completion Date: 8/31/13
Project Summary
Project Abstract:
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is directed by the Texas Legislature through Rider 44 to the appropriations bill for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to conduct an analysis that identifies strategies to maximize toll revenues collected on the TxDOT-operated toll roads in the state.
Task Descriptions:
Task 1: Baseline the Current TxDOT-Operated Toll Roads
Task 2: Develop Profile of Users
Task 3: Design and Conduct a Pilot Study
Task 4: Compile Findings and Recommendations
Task 5: Attend/Participate in Legislative Preparation and Process as Required
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
State and federal research has examined toll roads and attempted to identify methods to make toll roads a more attractive option for drivers. Researchers examined various views of toll road transactions and concluded:
- Truckers and trucking companies view toll roads significantly differently than the average passenger car driver. Travel time savings and avoiding congestion are generally less important than the actual cost of the tolls and their inability to pass those costs to their customers.
- Drivers require more information on toll roads: where they are located, how/where to access them,how to pay for the toll transaction, how much time will they save by taking a toll road versus a free alternative, who operates a given toll road, etc.
- Raising toll rates actually increases revenue while lowing toll rates will increase traffic volumes at the expense of toll revenues.
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:
Findings from this research will be incorporated into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s analysis that identified strategies to maximize toll revenues collected on the state’s TxDOT-operated toll roads.
Web Links:
Final Technical Report