Toll

A toll is a fee charged for passage on a road, bridge, tunnel, or other transportation facility. Tolls are typically collected to fund construction, operation, and maintenance, or to repay the capital used to build the facility. Unlike general taxes, tolls are usually assessed on users of the facility.

Tolling has ancient roots, with bridges and ferries in history funded by user charges. In the modern era, toll roads were introduced to accelerate infrastructure development and to recover investment through user fees. Tolling systems are now widespread in many countries and across various transport modes.

Common collection methods include traditional cash toll booths, barriers or gantries, open-road tolling without stopping, and electronic toll collection using transponders. Some systems bill by license plate using toll-by-plate. Congestion pricing uses tolls to manage demand in crowded urban areas, often varying by time of day or location.

Administration is usually handled by a toll authority or transportation agency. Rates and discounts are set by government policy or contract. Exemptions may apply to emergency vehicles, public transit, or residents. Enforcement can involve cameras, fines, and vehicle-registration records.

Tolling provides dedicated funding for maintenance and capital projects but can raise concerns about equity and accessibility, especially where tolls are paid by commuters or freight operators. Traffic diversion and toll evasion are common policy challenges. Toll levels and exemptions influence travel behavior and route choice.

Globally, tolled facilities range from major expressways to bridges and tunnels. In some regions, open-road tolling and electronic collection have reduced congestion and improved travel times. Toll policies continue to evolve with technology and considerations of fairness, efficiency, and environmental impact.