Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Congestion Pricing

Metro Board Approves Studies of Congestion Pricing and TNC Fees

Today, the Metro Board of Directors approved studying two new transportation programs that help reduce congestion while raising revenue: congestion pricing and taxing ride-hail trips.

The board has been kicking around congestion pricing for a few months now; it was initially raised as a way to generate some funding to help complete transportation projects in advance of the 2028 Olympics. See earlier Streetsblog coverage for background on:

Metro's road pricing initiative, now called "The Re-Imagining of L.A. County," is a 12-24 month feasibility study of congestion pricing, including a strategy for addressing equity.

Today's motion approving a study doesn't mean that pricing will sail through tomorrow and be immediately imposed on the hard-working bloodmobile driver. Even in approving the studies, many Metro boardmembers continued to express concerns and skepticism. Metro CEO Phil Washington reassured the board they would still have "several more bites at the apple." In the coming months, the board will review the study's scope, award the study contract, and ultimately decide whether to proceed with any congestion pricing program proposed.

The motion also approved "exploring fees" for ride-hail (Lyft, Uber - also called TNCs - Transportation Network Companies) trips. A couple of boardmembers expressed the concern that ride-hail fees should go to local cities. Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank responded that Metro would be working together with local municipalities to build a coalition for a TNC fee.

A separate 28 by 2028 motion decoupled congestion pricing and ride-hail revenues from Olympics project acceleration. The motion directs Metro to continue to get projects ready for acceleration, while "prioritiz[ing] low-risk revenue sources," including state and federal monies.

While today's approvals represent small steps forward for congestion pricing, TNC fees, and project acceleration, time will tell what will actually get implemented.

For additional coverage of these approvals, see: The Source, Urbanize, and Curbed.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Friday’s Headlines

Lawmakers threaten CARB over delay on corporate emissions reporting penalties; SFMTA head Tumlin to resign; A community organizes against a warehouse, and gains more; The urban-rural divide is not geographic; More

December 13, 2024

Climate Actions for State Agencies: Public Comment Period Closing Today

California's Climate Action Plan for Transportation Investment (CAPTI) keeps facing pushback from people who just want more roads.

December 13, 2024

Friday Video: A Deep Dive on Toronto’s Ridiculous New Anti-Bike Lane Law

"This selfish, entitled surbanite is willing to let people die for the hope of shaving a few minutes off of his commute."

December 13, 2024

Commentary: SFMTA Board Weakness Nearly Killed Another Family

The same basic failures that let a family get killed just happened again, in the same neighborhood. SFMTA's abdication of their responsibility to act independently is a primary factor in perpetuating this deadly situation

December 13, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Bulk Transit Passes for All

Jawnt's Ruth Miller on how employer transit pass programs like SEPTA's work to support employees, agencies and regions overall.

December 13, 2024
See all posts