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The economics of truck toll lanes

Author

Listed:
  • André de Palma

    (Université de Cergy-Pontoise, ENPC, CORE and Member of the Institut Universitaire de France, THEMA)

  • Moez Kilani

    (Université de Sousse, Sousse, TUNISIA)

  • Robin Lindsey

    (Department of Economics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA)

Abstract

Truck-only lanes and tollways have been promoted as a way to combat road congestion, enhance safety and reduce pavement damage. This paper explores one aspect of truck lanes by considering whether there are advantages in separating cars and trucks. The benefits of vehicle separation are found to depend on several factors: the relative volumes of cars and trucks, the congestion delay and safety hazards that each type of vehicle imposes, values of travel time for cars and trucks, and lane capacity indivisibilities. The optimal assignment of vehicles to lanes can be supported using tolls that are differentiated by vehicle type and route. By contrast, lane access restrictions generally cannot support the optimum and may provide no benefit at all.

Suggested Citation

  • André de Palma & Moez Kilani & Robin Lindsey, 2007. "The economics of truck toll lanes," THEMA Working Papers 2007-13, THEMA (THéorie Economique, Modélisation et Applications), Université de Cergy-Pontoise.
    • Handle: RePEc:ema:worpap:2007-13
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Holgun-Veras, Jos & Cetin, Mecit, 2009. "Optimal tolls for multi-class traffic: Analytical formulations and policy implications," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 43(4), pages 445-467, May.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    truck-only facilities; segregation; congestion; accidents; marginal-cost pricing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
    • R48 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government Pricing and Policy

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