Drivers could pay $3 to enter, leave or pass through parts of San Francisco during morning and evening commutes under a proposal designed to push motorists out of their cars, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The congestion toll, if implemented, would be the first in the nation. The congestion toll plan would also offer discounts to some drivers -- including taxi drivers -- who would not have to pay. Commercial vehicles, rental cars and car-sharing vehicles would pay a lower fleet rate. Low-income and disabled drivers and residents of the toll zone would pay half, and drivers who paid bridge tolls would get a $1 discount. The San Francisco County Transportation Authority, which has been studying the idea of imposing congestion-based tolls on city streets for nearly two years, released some of the details of its study Nov. 25 at a meeting of its board. The board won’t consider recommending a congestion toll plan until February.
Similar tolls, also known as cordon tolls, have been used in London and Stockholm, where they’re credited with reducing traffic congestion, air pollution and miles driven. They also have raised tens of millions annually for public transportation improvements.
