How has travel behaviour changed since the implementation of the congestion tax in Gothenburg? - A survey study based on individuals living in Gråbo and Särö.

Abstract

Emissions from car traffic are known to have a negative impact on the climate and on human health. To reduce these emissions and their impacts, a congestion tax was implemented in Gothenburg on the first of January 2013. The tax will be charged on individuals who travel to and from Gothenburg. We have conducted a survey study on individuals living in two areas located about 25 kilometres from Gothenburg to investigate how their travel behaviour has been affected by the implementation of the congestion tax. The survey consisted of questions about travel behaviour by car and public transport, possible car substitutes, attitudes toward the congestion tax and socio-economic factors. Our results show that on average 22 percent of the individuals in Gråbo compared to 16 percent in Särö have decreased their travel by car. There is a corresponding increase in travel by public transport of 13 percent in Gråbo and 5 percent in Särö. We have found three other types of substitutes: adaption of day and time of travel, travel to another destination or cancelling the travel. However, we did not find any significant substitution to other means of transportation than public transport. Individuals with a higher income are less affected by the congestion tax than individuals with a lower income. Also, the factors reason of travel, attitude toward the tax and whether an individual has got children or not have a significant impact on travel behaviour changes after the implementation of the tax.