ASSESSING THE PUBLIC AND EXPERTS’ PERCEPTION TOWARDS THE PROPOSED CONGESTION PRICING SCHEME IN JORDAN

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the attitudes of both the public and the experts towards the Congestion Pricing (CP) scheme by considering the case of Amman City in Jordan. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was adopted. A predesigned survey with 600 respondents was the primary source of data in addition to semi-structured comprehensive interviews conducted with knowledgeable individuals experienced in the related fields including wholesalers. The analysis of the collected data was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science SPSS IBM software together with the SPSS AMOS (Analysis of Moments Structural Equation Modeling Software) and Excel spreadsheets programs to carry out CFA, RII, descriptive statistics, and socio-economic index. The results showed that more than half of the respondents (58%) have never heard of CP. 47% of those who are aware of CP were in favor of implementing it. Greater support was given to the CP implementation during the Peak hours (55%) compared to their support of all-hour implementation (26%). The RII results revealed that CP can reduce road congestion (RII=69.8%), helps protect the environment (RII=70%), and limit recreation and shopping preferences (RII=64.7%) and this aspect could be better publicized as an effective means of maintaining social distance and reducing the risk of infection during Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, people with greater socio-economic educational class tended to perceive a higher personal change in travel habits when CP is implemented. People’s level of acceptance of the implementation of CP was found to be affected by several meaningful factors. The CFA revealed that a more significant factor was the "potential benefits and economic revenue of implementing CP". The main causes of traffic congestion in Amman, the capital of Jordan, were identified through interviews with experts from various concerned parties which included poor public transport system and parking management, increasing car ownership, and inadequate policies to control traffic congestion. The experts advised that the CP implementation should be linked with other related strategies and be evaluated periodically. They also suggested a minimum of 3.5 years’ time framework in case of introducing the CP scheme. This period is needed for issuing new CP legislation and developing an acceptable level of public awareness of the system. Furthermore, the implementation of CP might not always seriously damage the wholesaler's own business or economic competitiveness. Based on the results of the study, recommendations for developing and implementing an effective CP system in Amman were outlined.