Determining factors affecting congestion pricing acceptability

Abstract

Being aware of the factors affecting users' willingness to accept congestion pricing and pay for central zone usage is of key importance for the successful implementation of the congestion pricing system. Thus, the aim of this paper is to analyze users' attitudes, determine influential variables and define users' preferences toward different congestion pricing policies in the central zone of Belgrade. This study included a comprehensive analysis of factors which can affect the congestion pricing acceptability such as socio-demographic and economic characteristics, patterns of the respondents' movements in relation to the central zone, the respondents’ perception of traffic problems in the central zone, their familiarity with congestion pricing and preferences toward different congestion pricing policies, as well as their preferences toward revenue allocation. Binary logistic regression and structural equation modelling analysis were used to develop appropriate models. The obtained results provide guidelines for decision-makers to consider when defining congestion pricing policy. By following these suggestions, public acceptability would be increased, and the successful implementation of the congestion pricing system would be ensured.