The western cape road use charge pilot project : progress and preliminary results

Abstract

The paper presents ongoing research on a distance-based road user charge pilot project by Stellenbosch University. Several countries, including the USA, Singapore, France, Belgium and Australia, are busy with pilot projects and experiments involving distance-based road use charges (DBRUC). While these projects have different approaches, they share the search for alternative road use charges that are not tied to fuel use in common. All experiments with road use charges are based on distance travelled and vehicle type. The authors are not aware of any work being done in South Africa that considers distance-based road use charges as a means to charge road users for their road use. South Africa relies mainly on the fuel levy as the main mechanism to charge road users for the use of the roads. An overview of the pilot project is provided (more information can be found at www.wc-ruc.org), and the phased approach to the research is introduced. Some results of the recent surveys are discussed, and respondents’ opinions about different road user charges are presented. It is clear that road users do not prefer distance-based road use charges and favour the current fuel levy as a way to recover the cost of road use. When faced with an increase in fuel costs, road users who can alter their travel behaviour will typically travel outside of the peak, or travel less. Road users prefer variable road user charges over fixed charges, and the charges should vary with the type of vehicle, time of day and type of road used. The tracking experiment is underway, and the data is being analysed to extract a monthly invoice that reflects the road use behaviour. The work will continue with the focus on expanding the vehicle tracking to a large population (>500 vehicles) and exploring alternative charges and payment options. Participants in the vehicle tracking exercise will be monitored to determine their response to the monthly invoices and obtain feedback on their experience.