Do You Know Who Toll Routes Really Benefit?
Immediately recognized as a faster means to get to a destination, toll routes also serve other various purposes for drivers. In this article we explore how toll routes impact the driving community.
image © MPD01605
Public-Private Funding
Getting private investors for infrastructure construction is challenging. While they are just as likely to want to see road improvements, they also want to get a return on their investment. This is one of the reasons why toll-roads are suggested. Instead of the money going towards future infrastructure projects, investors believe they should be able to buy the road and then collect the funding from the toll.
image © SPUI
Reduces Drivers
In an attempt to reduce pollution, individuals suggest charging a toll to cars in areas where public transit is viable. This would mean that anyone wanting to enter or exit the area would be subject to an additional toll. The hope is that the charge would deter drivers from using personal vehicles but since regular toll routes are used daily, it's difficult to decipher if making additional roads toll routes would actually change driving habits.
image © Adrian Bailey
Can Alleviate Traffic
Individuals are inclined to choose the fastest route possible with the least amount of traffic congestion. For some the charge of the toll route would not influence their desire for speed and they'd willingly pay the price. For others, the charge would hinder their decision but due to the other people using the toll route it will ultimately also benefit the other lane as less cars will be merging on it.
image © Raysonho
Labour Intensive
One of the biggest concerns with implementing a toll route is having to hire individuals to collect the toll. In some areas the prospect of adding more jobs is desirable, but for others, they want to mimic the toll route in Toronto that is automated in order to save on costs.
Reduces Pollution
When stuck in traffic, the idling cars cause an increase of green house gases and other emissions. Since a toll route is less busy, this means that there is less idling and ultimately less pollution which results in improving local air quality.
image © Wiki Commons
Greater Safety
Perhaps the most alluring quality of a toll route is that it increases safety for drivers. Since there is less traffic and congestion on the road, emergency respondents could arrive on the scene quicker in the event of an emergency.
So essentially toll routes benefit drivers, the environment, and depending on the operation of the toll, it could benefit the city.