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Mobility Pricing in Metro Vancouver: Implementing a Decongestion Charge in the Region by Kati Tamashiro B.A.Sc. (Civil Engineering), University of British Columbia, 2011 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Urban Studies in the Urban Studies Program Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences © Kati Tamashiro 2019 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Spring 2019 Copyright in this work rests with the author. Please ensure that any reproduction or re-use is done in accordance with the relevant national copyright legislation. Approval Name: Kati Tamashiro Degree: Master of Urban Studies Title: Mobility Pricing in Metro Vancouver: Implementing a Decongestion Charge in the Region Examining Committee: Chair: Meg Holden Professor Patrick J. Smith Senior Supervisor Professor, Urban Studies & Political Science Anthony Perl Supervisor Professor, Urban Studies & Political Science Clark Lim External Examiner Principal, Acuere Consulting Adjunct Professor, Civil Engineering University of British Columbia Date Defended/Approved: March 6, 2019 ii Abstract The first Mobility pricing strategy for Metro Vancouver is been evaluated with the purpose of reducing traffic congestion in the region, addressing gaps in funding for transportation infrastructure, and ensuring an equitable system. The Mobility Pricing Independent Commission published the Metro Vancouver Mobility Pricing Study in May 2018. This report summarizes the findings and recommendation for a mobility pricing policy in the form of a decongestion charging scheme. To inform the next phases of the Commission’s study, and potential implementation of the decongestion charge in the region, this thesis conducts a case study analysis of the implementation of congestion charge in London, Stockholm and Edinburgh. Key implementation factors such as transportation governance, political implications, public processes and equity, are analyzed and applied to the Metro Vancouver context. Keywords: mobility pricing, decongestion charging, Metro Vancouver, congestion charging; implementation strategy. iii Dedication To my husband, this is for you and because of you. Thank you for supporting me through this. iv Acknowledgements The completion of this research thesis was only possible with the help and support of many individuals in my life that provided their time, understanding and care. I would like to acknowledge the support of my family, who have inspired and motivated me through all my academic and personal endeavors. This research was only possible because of the help and support of my supervisor Dr. Patrick Smith, your wisdom, guidance, patience and humor supported me through the development of this thesis. You helped me complete this research, even when it did not seem possible, for that I am forever thankful. Your kindness and understanding through this process is truly appreciated. In addition, I want to acknowledge Dr. Anthony Perl as he provided his guidance and transportation expertise for my work. Dr Meg Holden and Clark Lim also contributed significantly for the development of my final report. A special thank you to Rio Acosta for providing help at a critical time of this report. Your assistance was in dire need to help in the completion of this report. My road into the world of transportation was inspired by Peter Joyce, who is one of the most inspiring transportation professionals I know. I was lucky to come across him early in my career. Thank you for offering your time, mentorship, and friendship. v Table of Contents Approval ............................................................................................................................ ii Abstract .............................................................................................................................iii Dedication ........................................................................................................................ iv Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................... v Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. vi List of Tables ................................................................................................................... viii List of Figures................................................................................................................... ix List of Acronyms ................................................................................................................ x Chapter 1. Introduction and Research Question ...................................................... 1 Chapter 2. Literature Review ....................................................................................... 6 2.1. Pricing Urban Transportation .................................................................................. 6 2.2. Prices and Travel Behavior ..................................................................................... 7 2.3. Congestion Charging Literature ............................................................................ 10 2.4. Congestion Pricing Methodologies ........................................................................ 12 Facility-based scheme ................................................................................................. 12 Cordon-based scheme ................................................................................................ 12 Area-based scheme .................................................................................................... 13 Charge type and time differentiation ............................................................................ 13 Distanced-based scheme ............................................................................................ 14 2.5. Acceptance of Congestion Pricing ........................................................................ 14 2.6. Equity and Fairness .............................................................................................. 16 Chapter 3. Methodology ............................................................................................ 20 3.1. Comparative Case Study Framework ................................................................... 20 3.1.1. Case Study Selection .................................................................................... 21 3.2. Key Parameters for Analysis ................................................................................. 23 Chapter 4. Case Study Analysis ............................................................................... 26 4.1. London .................................................................................................................. 26 4.2. Stockholm ............................................................................................................. 35 4.3. Edinburgh .............................................................................................................. 43 4.4. Summary Analysis from Case Studies .................................................................. 49 Chapter 5. Overview of the Metro Vancouver Mobility Pricing Study ................... 61 5.1. The Metro- Vancouver Transportation Context ..................................................... 61 5.1.1. Transit plebiscite ........................................................................................... 66 5.1.2. Tolls in Metro Vancouver .............................................................................. 68 5.2. Travel Patterns in Metro Vancouver ...................................................................... 69 5.3. TransLink and the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation........................... 71 vi 5.4. Mobility Pricing Independent Commission ............................................................ 77 5.5. Decongestion Charge Models ............................................................................... 79 5.6. Findings and Recommendation ............................................................................ 82 Chapter 6. Analysis and Considerations for MPIC ................................................. 88 6.1. Transportation Governance in Metro Vancouver .................................................. 89 6.2. Political Climate and Triggers ............................................................................... 92 6.3. The implementation strategy - trial and referendum ............................................. 93 6.4. Policy Objectives – Equity and Fairness ............................................................... 95 6.5. Revenue Use and Transit – Equity considerations ............................................... 97 Chapter 7. Conclusion ............................................................................................. 100 7.1. Research limitations ............................................................................................ 102 Chapter 8. References ............................................................................................. 103 Appendix Frequent Transit Network (TransLink) .............................................. 112 vii List of Tables Table 1. Summary of Case Studies - Key Features. ....................................................... 49 viii List of Figures Figure 1. London's Congestion Charging Zone (Transport for London) .......................... 30 Figure 2. Stockholm Congestion Charge Map