One of society´s most difficult goals is attaining sustainable transport systems. There are many proposals for action, plans and potential tools; however, very few are realized.Some existing problem areas being addressed within the research program TransportMistra include the British transport political goals, the Öresund region, one major company´s transport policy issues, the EU´s directive for biofuels and the Stockholm Trial.
The assessment of the Stockholm Trial was both in-depth and far-reaching. No other Swedish infrastructure project has ever been studied in such detail. TransportMistra assessed how the trial period structure and follow-up referendum affected public opinion and what role different decisions had in terms of garnering support.
The trial exceeded expectations
The trial result was a great success. Viewed from a traffic perspective, there was a decrease in congestion by 20 to 25 percent, accessibility increased, commuter times were shorter, the working conditions for professional drivers improved and public transportation usage increased.
Viewed from an environmental viewpoint carbon monoxide emissions decreased by 14 percent. Positive health effects could be seen from the diminished pollution and an improved inner city milieu. Another positive effect from the trial was that the strong public opinion reversed as values changed.
“There was an overwhelmingly negative public opinion against congestion fees before the trial was launched, in spite of the fact that people seemed to have a pretty good understanding of the benefits derived from peak-hours driving fees. The change in public opinion can, therefore, not only be explained by comprehending the outcome of a congestion fee," says Lena Winslott Hiselius, researcher at TransportMistra.
“Our study shows that the real change in the public´s mindset came as people experienced the day to day advantages of less traffic and emissions," she says.
The assessment of the trial also proved that congestion fees are economically profitable for society, and the return of investment cost is short-term (approximately four years) compared to other road or public transportation investments. Furthermore, the research shows that other means of transport, like public transportation, walking and biking, did not increase necessarily proving that travel-time flexibility was an important factor among commuters.
Smarter than the decision makers realized
The structure of the Stockholm Trial, to first implement the system and then hold a referendum, was probably smarter than the decision makers themselves realized. However, claiming that congestion fees are automatically part of a sustainable transportation system is to simplify matters. It all depends on how the money will be used.
“Generally speaking you could say that if the money is not used on actions contributing to increased sustainability it could have the opposite effect," says Lena Winslott Hiselius.
She adds that researchers are in agreement that spending revenues from congestion fees merely on building new roads will only lead to more traffic and cancel-out the positive results from congestion fees.
"In the Stockholm trial the goals were met, but that is not a static condition. The money from the fees could be used on something unsustainable, says Lena Smidfelt Rosqvist, program director for TransportMistra.
When the Stockholm trial was over the table was set for the new conservative government to make a decision. The congestion fees were introduced without public debate.
