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LA Metro CEO endorses congestion pricing to fund free fares
Rush-hour tolls on drivers could potentially fund free fares on public transit by the time the 2028 Olympics hit town, Phil Washington said.

Congestion pricing could encourage more drivers to take public transit, while cutting down on LA’s notorious traffic, but added that he wasn’t clear yet how the system would work.

LOS ANGELES — L.A. Metro CEO Phil Washington endorsed congestion pricing for the city, telling the agency’s board of directors that rush-hour tolls on drivers could fund free fares on public transit by the time the 2028 Olympics hit town, reports CURBED.
Washington suggested that a congestion pricing system would encourage more drivers to take public transit, while cutting down on LA’s notorious traffic, but added that he wasn’t clear yet how the system would work.
Washington endorsed the measure while presenting a report on funding options for the agency’s Twenty-eight by 28 initiative, a plan to complete 28 major projects over the next decade.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also suggested the agency should consider the option. But he acknowledged that charging new fees on drivers in such a car-dependent city would be a political risk. For the full story, click here.
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