Public Perceptions of Toll Roads

Book excerpt: Like many U.S. states, Texas is experiencing shortfalls in transportation funding, along with growing needs for system improvements. Accordingly, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is turning to tolling to bridge the funding gap. To assist planning efforts and effectively direct public information, a telephone survey of 2,111 Texans and a Mail Out-Mail Back (MOMB)/internet follow-up survey of 324 phone survey respondents were undertaken statewide to gauge public opinion on tolling issues. Overall and regional preferences were assessed and the impact of alternative question introductions was examined. Multivariate analysis also was performed using ordered probit and binomial and multinomial logit models to assess the impact of demographic and travel characteristics on respondent opinions. Results of the phone survey revealed that there was a considerable consensus (over 70% agreement) for several issues under planning consideration including keeping existing roads toll-free, keeping toll revenues within a region, and charging higher tolls for trucks. Analysis of data by region showed that residents of large urban areas were more supportive of increasing State transportation spending, while residents of more rural areas indicated greater support for the exclusive use of toll tags for toll collection, but also were more concerned about toll tag privacy. Forty-one percent of respondents agreed that transportation spending should not be increased because Texas has more important spending needs. An ordered probit model revealed that the highly educated and those from higher-income households were more likely to support additional spending, while non-SOV commuters were less likely. In choosing between raising the state gas tax and converting existing roads to toll roads, 23% preferred raising the gas tax and 61% favored toll conversion (16% were neutral). Overall results of discrete choice modeling showed that frequent toll road users were more likely to support a wide range of new transportation policies, while retirees tended to be more opposed. Although phone survey results showed that Texans were opposed to tolling existing roads, follow-up survey results revealed that there was considerable support for toll conversion if benefits could be obtained. For eight toll conversion scenarios, support ranged from 45% (if toll revenues were used to improve other area roads) to 58% (if congestion could be reduced). Follow-up survey results also showed considerable support (61%) for the Trans-Texas Corridor vision. An ordered probit model revealed that frequent toll road users and frequent rush-hour travelers tended to be more supportive, while longer-distance commuters tended to be less supportive. Overall both surveys were successful at measuring opinions on several key tolling issues, and results will be useful for transportation planners and policymakers