Figure 25 Relationship between traffic reduction and the amount of congestion charge
These graphs were used to derive the applicable congestion charge on these two travel mode categories—motorised three- and four-wheelers, and motorised two-wheelers—at various levels of congestion. For example, if traffic flows at LOS E in a certain hour in a given area or corridor, then traffic has to reduce by 11%-25% to achieve LOS C. For this, the applicable congestion charge on cars would be Rs. 50 and that on two-wheelers would be Rs. 25. The fee would have to be higher when congestion is higher (i.e. LOS F) and lower when congestion is lower (i.e LOS D) to bring the traffic flow to the acceptable level of service of C. Table 1 Congestion charge required to reduce the traffic volume to achieve LOS C
% traffic reduction required to achieve LOS C
Congestion charge: Car, taxis and autos (Rs.)
Congestion charge: Twowheeler (Rs.)
0% to 10% (from LOS D to C)
Rs. 25
Rs. 10
11% to 25% (from LOS E to C)
Rs. 50
Rs. 25
26% to 45% (from LOS F to C)
Rs. 65
Rs. 40
Survey of freight vehicles was beyond the scope of this study. The study team recommends that freight vehicles be charged based on their size i.e. passenger car unit (PCU) equivalent. For example, a light commercial vehicle (LCV) is equal to 2 PCU. Therefore, the applicable fee would be twice that of a car. The above mentioned congestion fee structure is only the starting point. Once the congestion pricing system goes live with these prices, the response, in terms of traffic reduction and speed, must be observed. The fee charged may deter too many or too few from using their private motor vehicles or taxis. The fee at each location, for different vehicle types, at different hours of the day should be revised regularly—at least once in a quarter—based on traffic volume and speed data collected.
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