Could raising tolls radically improve commuting?

Abstract

This work explores the theoretical effect of implementing market-clearing tolls on a singular specified roadway during rush hour to alleviate heavy, avoidable traffic congestion. The author proposes tolls to eliminate traffic, showing that if high enough, so many drivers will choose not to use the road that traffic will clear, thereby creating a faster commute and increased bridge throughput. The author also considers alternative explanations like increases in carpooling and what fairer or more palatable frameworks might look like – AI-generated abstract.