[Alberta's Child]

That's a good point. On the other hand, I've noticed a gradual trend that has developed over time here in my metro area: Holiday, weekend and special event traffic on many major roads is now comparable (and in some areas, WORSE) than weekday commuter peak traffic.

The theory behind congestion pricing is really no different than what public utilities do when they charge more for electricity during times of peak usage.

[discostu]

Never liked peak usage pricing either. Again because it’s not a choice. I live in Tucson, it’s nearly 100 degrees right now. no matter what I set the thermostat to the AC’s gonna run most of the afternoon. Why should I have to pay more. Not like I have the option to move the house somewhere cool on summer afternoons. Off work traffic can be worse because the destinations tend to fewer. If you get away from the big retail areas you’re usually OK. And of course special events have a denser version of the work problem. 25,000 people all aiming for puck drop and all leaving at the final horn creates a traffic problem. I think the theory behind congestion pricing is that it sounds like it will reduce traffic, until people think about it just punishes a captive audience. It’s movie theater candy.