Global Navigation Satellite System Road Pricing in the Greater Toronto Area

Abstract

This paper discusses the prospects of overcoming the hurdles to implementing a policy of road pricing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) via Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. The paper begins by outlining some of the theories and issues surrounding road pricing implementation. Next, the experiences of three other jurisdictions with implementing road pricing are analyzed, followed by an analysis of the debate in the GTA and the merits of GNSS tolling compared to other policy options. The two main hurdles to GNSS road pricing in the GTA, costs of the system and privacy concerns, are identified and examined. Suggestions to overcome these hurdles are offered and evaluated. The paper concludes with an analysis of how such an implementation strategy would affect the issues of road pricing acceptance and governance.