Public Perceptions of Pricing Existing Roads and Other Transportation Policies: The Texas Perspective

Abstract

This work illuminates public opinion on various transportation policies and issues. Statewide survey results reveal considerable agreement on two issues (higher tolls for heavy vehicles and dedicated truck lanes) and reasonable support for conversion of non-tolled roads to tolled roads. Under congestion pricing, older persons report being more likely to reduce their travel during peak periods, members of larger households are more likely to change travel routes, and full-time workers are more likely not to change their current travel patterns. Other results tie into the information content of messages, highway safety policies and revenue generation for transportation agencies.