Seattle Congestion Pricing Study

For Uber Technologies Inc., ECONorthwest developed a framework for designing and evaluating a congestion pricing program for downtown Seattle. Uber was interested in influencing the discussion of downtown access fees after understanding the potential merits of the implementation of an efficient congestion charge. Using data from Uber Technologies, Inc. and the Puget Sound Regional Council, the study assessed how fair and efficient congestion pricing could work in Seattle, and what the likely implications would be. The study found auto commute times in downtown would decrease by 30 percent during morning and afternoon commutes. Bus transit speeds would increase, as would ridership. The program would generate at least $130 million per year in gross revenues.