Selecting Optimal Tolling Levels: A Case Study for the Fraser River in the Greater Vancouver Area

Résumé

The recent addition of a toll on the Port Mann Bridge in Greater Vancouver has resulted in an observed increase in traZc volumes on alternate routes crossing the Fraser River. The result has been lower than expected volumes on the Port Mann Bridge and increased congestion on other major arteries in the region. This paper describes the development of a mathematical programming model to determine an optimal tolling system for the four main Fraser River crossings in the Greater Vancouver area: the Port Mann Bridge, the Alex Fraser Bridge, the Pattullo Bridge, and the Massey Tunnel. Two scenarios are discussed, starting with the current situation of one toll on the Port Mann Bridge, while the second will open the possibility of implementing a toll on all four crossings. The intention is to minimize congestion in the region through the redistribution of traffic.