tollbased

Tollbased describes pricing and revenue models that recover costs through user charges levied when a facility or service is used. In transportation, tollbased schemes collect tolls from drivers to finance the construction, maintenance, and operation of roads, bridges, and tunnels.

Implementation often uses toll collection technologies: traditional staffed booths, automatic electronic toll collection (ETC) transponders, license-plate recognition, or hybrid systems. Tolling can be fixed, with a set rate per crossing; distance-based, with rates varying by distance traveled; time-based, such as congestion pricing; or dynamic, adjusting to time of day or traffic conditions.

Advantages include cost recovery, potential improvements in traffic management, and reduced congestion through pricing signals. Critics note equity concerns for users with limited alternatives, privacy issues related to tracking and data retention, and the high capital and operating costs of tolling infrastructure and enforcement.

Notable examples include the E-ZPass system in North America and the Telepass network in parts of Europe; many toll authorities also operate video tolling and license-plate-based billing.

Related topics include tolling, congestion pricing, and road pricing.