DC Study Shows Road Pricing Could Save Driver Time

DC study finds proposed congestion charge would save drivers 20 hours yearly, raise $345M

DC Road Pricing Study Shows Driver Time Savings

A newly released Washington DC road pricing study shows drivers would save an average of 20 hours annually under a proposed congestion charge program. Mayor Muriel Bowser released the 101-page report on March 10, revealing that an inbound cordon pricing system would charge drivers $10 during weekday peak hours or $5 on weekends when entering downtown. The program would increase average weekday driving speeds from 12.5 mph to 14.9 mph while reducing traffic by 7%.

Four Pricing Approaches Examined

The report explores four pricing approaches: cordon pricing, area pricing, arterial toll roads, and on-street parking pricing, according to the study. Officials proposed two geographic zones—a small downtown study area covering DC's central business district and a larger area including Rosslyn, Pentagon City, and Crystal City. The analysis found that drivers within the study area would save $274 million per year in time, while drivers outside would save $152 million. Transit riders would save $8 million annually, the report stated.

Program Would Generate $345 Million Annually

The proposed congestion pricing program would raise $345 million yearly, officials said. Only 1.4% of commuters—6,045 people—driving into the small downtown study area have incomes below $37,500, according to the report. New York's similar program, which started in January 2025, has already achieved 11% less traffic and a 51% increase in speeds. The DC study didn't specify how revenue would be allocated or what exemptions might apply to low-income drivers.

Agency Won't Pursue Further Study

DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum stated during an April 30 budget hearing that the agency wouldn't study road pricing further. Despite this position, the Greater Greater Washington organization and the DC Transportation Equity Network have requested the Committee on Transportation and the Environment to fund further study in the fiscal year 2027 budget. Officials haven't said whether the committee will approve the funding request or when a decision might be announced.

Drivers Face Uncertain Timeline

The report's release doesn't mean congestion pricing will be implemented in Washington, as officials haven't announced plans to move forward with any of the four pricing approaches. Drivers and transit riders can track any future developments through real-time updates. Moovit provides current traffic conditions and alternative route planning for DC-area commuters navigating downtown congestion.