On the Impact of HOT Lane Tolling Strategies on Total Traffic Level

Abstract

This paper shows how tolling (or pricing) strategies can be used to control the congestion levels of both untolled and high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. Using a user-equilibrium method, the paper calculates the number of travelers on each route during the peak period and provides a numerical analysis that determines the distribution of travelers for different tolling strategies. It shows that with the right tolling strategy some travelers who initially plan to use the untolled lane during the peak period will change both their routes (i.e., select the HOT lane) and departure times (i.e., depart earlier or later). Using this result, the paper compares static and dynamic pricing strategies and shows that with a dynamic strategy a larger profit can be earned and congestion reduced in the untolled lane.