An ex-ante evaluation framework of dynamic congestion pricing: application to Athens, Greece

Congestion pricing is a popular remedial measure against traffic congestion worldwide. It targets at limiting traffic in downtown city areas by imposing fees to drivers willing to access certain city areas during particular time periods. We offer an ex-ante evaluation of congestion pricing impacts for the case of Athens, Greece. An urban toll structure, along with dynamic toll levels based on real time transportation data is considered. Alternative toll levels are defined based on stated-preference, willingness to pay, surveys. The congestion pricing scheme for a core network subset is evaluated using the simulation software AIMSUN; a custom made extension (API) on congestion pricing is developed which triggers different pricing policies based on volume and occupancy levels. Results indicate improvements to traffic conditions for the core network subset examined.