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I came across a posting on Slashdot that discussed a proposal for a patent by IBM that introduces variable toll pricing. In other words, if you drive during congestion, you have to pay a higher toll. At first it sounds like an outrageous plan, but if you investigate further, it actually becomes quite clear at how advantageous this system could be. However, like most, we are all discouraged the moment we are asked to shell out more cash.

Reduced traffic

The purpose of this system is not exactly to discourage people from using tollways. Rather, it is designed to penalize “slow drivers” and drivers who use the toll-system during rush hour. In a way, it is encouraging users to use the tollway throughout the day, instead of everyone joining the roads at a particular time. This is actually pretty good since now, some drivers will choose to leave later or earlier, reducing the number of cars during rush hour.

Better emissions

Unless you have a hybrid, most vehicles tend to consume more fuel during city driving than on highways. During rush hour, you can consider yourself driving in a city because of the constant stop-and-go movement. However, if this new toll system is implemented, you may be encouraged to leave earlier or later, avoiding rush hour. Thus, you can then drive your vehicle at highway speeds and in effect, reduce emissions and/or fuel consumption.

Increased funding

No matter how much you hate paying the government, you have to admit that without them, our roads would be virtually non-existent. If the government is able to accumulate increased funding through tolls, it is possible that more public work projects (e.g. road repairs) can be approved. Improved roads mean better wear-and-tear on your vehicle and maybe even lead to fewer accidents.

Reduced road rage

I don’t know about you, but when I drive, I have quite a bit of road-rage. I despise slow drivers, especially the ones who drive in the left lanes and do not bother to move over for faster traffic. During rush hour, I’m a total beast. I tend to be very aggressive, making sudden lane changes without warning to get ahead. If that sounds irresponsible, here’s a fact: you probably are guilty of the same thing! With the new toll system, you may be willing to pay a higher rate, but maybe you’ll have less road rage due to reduced traffic. Even if you don’t, at least someone else might be inclined to have fewer road-rage incidents.

My money is on the fact that the new toll system will definitely not eliminate rush hour traffic. Rather, it will reduce - by a small margin - the number of vehicles on the road during rush hour. It will definitely have some impact in many areas. Just how much the impact will make a difference is a major debatable point. Are you willing to pay more to drive in traffic? I definitely am!

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