Please follow the link below to read the article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/29/MN1R1EL9I0.DTL
It speaks for itself, but I wanted to note a couple of things. First of all, since the toll charges were increased, 6,199 fewer drivers cross the Bay Bridge everyday. This means that the traffic on the Bay Bridge moves twice as fast as it did last year. Since I travel the Bay Bridge almost every weekday to work, this is something that I have definitely noticed.
Another interesting point is that 1,500 additional people are riding the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) each day. This means less pollution and a greener way of life. This is a win/win situation. The transportation department gets their money because of the increased tolls, but there are less people crowding the roadways and more people taking public transportation.
San Francisco's next fee hike may have a similar effect. They are putting smart meters into Hayes Valley. Basically, these meters judge how busy the street is and raise the fee or lowers it based on demand. Also, they are attached to a phone application so people who are looking for a parking space can find one quicker. There is some speculation that people may use public transportation or alternative forms of transportation that would be more environmentally friendly to get to their favorite restaurant in Hayes Valley. Only time will tell.
