Federal Programs | Applying for Tolling Authority | Tolling and Pricing Team | Tolling and Pricing FAQs
This site is intended to provide information about the tolling and pricing programs and provisions available under Title 23 of the United States Code (23 U.S.C.), following enactment of Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), and to invite Expressions of Interest from States and/or other public entities. This site contains information on "getting started" by submitting an Expression of Interest for the available tolling authority. An agency can download an Expression of Interest template through this web page, complete it, and re-submit it electronically via e-mail. This site also provides key contacts and links to resources related to tolling and pricing that can be used to support an initiative. Through this site, agencies can understand the tolling and pricing opportunities that now exist and can communicate with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in order to obtain assistance in effectively meeting their desired goal(s) for applying for tolling and pricing authority or funding.
Federal Highway Tolling Programs FACT SHEET
There are three programs or provisions within the Federal-aid Highway Program that support congestion pricing:
This program, initially authorized in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) in 1991 as the Congestion Pricing Pilot Program, encourages implementation and evaluation of projects encompassing a variety of strategies to manage congestion on highways, including both tolling of highway facilities and other pricing strategies not involving tolls. This is the only program that provides funding.
Learn more about this program by visiting the FHWA Office of Operations website
This program allows states to charge tolls to vehicles that do not meet the established occupancy requirements to use an HOV lane if the state establishes a program that addresses the selection of vehicles allowed in such lanes and procedures for enforcing the restrictions.
Learn more about this program by visiting the Freeway Management Program website
This program permits tolling on up to 15 selected demonstration projects to manage congestion, reduce emissions in a non-attainment area, or finance new and existing Interstate lanes for the purposes of reducing congestion.
Learn more about this program by visiting the FHWA Office of Operations website
In addition, there are three programs or provisions within the Federal-aid Highway Program that support tolling for the purpose of highway financing:
This program authorizes up to three facilities on the Interstate System to establish tolls for the purpose of financing the construction of new Interstate highways.
This program allows up to three existing Interstate facilities (highway, bridge, or tunnel) to be tolled to fund needed reconstruction or rehabilitation on Interstate corridors that could not otherwise be adequately maintained or functionally improved without the collection of tolls.
Section 129 allows tolling of non-Interstate highways as well as Interstate bridges and tunnels. There is no limit to the number of agreements that may be executed.
In addition, section 120(j) of title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.), as amended by section 1905 of SAFETEA-LU, provides for toll credits that can be used towards the non-Federal share of Federally funded projects.
Darren Timothy, Ph.D.
FHWA Office of Innovative Program Delivery
Southeast Federal Center Building E73-303
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
FHWA-HIN, Room E64-301
Washington, DC 20590-9898
202-366-4051
darren.timothy@dot.gov