Welfare Implications of Congestion Pricing

New research from Pnina Feldman, Associate Professor, Operations & Technology Management, explores whether congestion pricing can offer a solution to urban parking problems and traffic.

Congestion pricing charges varying rates based on demand to improve the allocation of limited resources. Feldman and her research partners found that congestion pricing increases accessibility and decreases congestion in packed parking areas but may have the opposite effect in less crowded areas. This has important implications for policymakers looking to improve social and consumer welfare by finding solutions to scarce resources such as parking spaces. It is also relevant for public sector managers overseeing public resources.

The study analyzed data from SFpark, a congestion pricing parking program launched by the City of San Francisco. Using a two-stage dynamic search model, they estimated consumers’ search costs, distance disutilities, price sensitivities, and trip valuations. Based on the results, Feldman recommends a simpler pricing policy to increase welfare and allow consumers to make search-based decisions.

Read the full study, Welfare Implications of Congestion Pricing: Evidence from SFpark, here.