LOS ANGELES (KNX) - Los Angeles has long been the land of cars, and traffic jams. But soon, drivers may have to pay for the privilege of sitting in traffic at rush hour.
L.A. Metro is expected to release a long-awaited study this summer for a congestion pricing program, where drivers will have to pay, possibly by the mile, to drive into certain busy areas at peak times.
Metro is looking at three locations for a possible pilot program, including the 10 Freeway between Santa Monica and downtown L.A., and roads and freeways that pass through the Santa Monica Mountains.
Cities around the world, including London and Singapore, use congestion pricing to reduce traffic by encouraging commuters to try a bus or train instead of driving. But not everyone in car-centric L.A. is enthusiastic.
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who serves on the Metro board, says she’s “not a big fan” of the congestion pricing idea. She told KNX News’ Jon Baird that she believes there are better alternatives to reducing traffic, like improving the public transit system and allowing more people to work remotely.
“We saw our roads nearly empty during the pandemic because people were allowed to work from home. And may I say, I think most people were very productive,” she said.
Some commuters also told KNX News they’re worried about the added costs, and question whether the strategy will actually do anything to improve traffic congestion.
“My question would be, is it going to be easier because you pay?” one driver asked.
Metro says the project will include subsidies for low-income drivers and carpoolers, but the details are still being worked out. The board could end up voting on the congestion pricing plan sometime next year.
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