Equitable road pricing can be a powerful tool to simultaneously reduce driving, improve air quality and reduce emissions, make more efficient use of infrastructure, and create a new source of funding for more equitable transportation solutions.
To tackle growing traffic congestion, inadequate funding for transportation and the climate crisis, California’s cities and regions are looking to start or expand road pricing programs. These can include tolls, express lanes, downtown pricing programs and potentially a statewide per-mile road charge to replace the gas tax.
Transform is deeply engaged in ensuring community voices and values are at the heart of any new pricing programs.
Transform is leading a statewide coalition to ensure any future statewide Road Charge includes low-income discounts, incentivizes cleaner vehicles, and provides funding for both road maintenance and alternatives to driving (see PPT).
Transform is also deeply engaged in regional pricing and express lane implementation. The primary goals are to avoid expanding highways and instead convert existing lanes to priced lanes that include equity programs. For example, Transform led the successful advocacy for San Mateo County’s Community Transportation Benefits Program, which uses express lane funding to provide low-income residents with either $200 in public transit benefits or $200 on their Fastrak that can be used in the express lanes.
