The proposed congestion tax aims to discourage the use of private vehicles during peak times and promote the use of public transportation as a means to alleviate traffic woes. This approach has proven effective in addressing traffic congestion, reducing air pollution, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
The government is considering the implementation of a “congestion tax” on nine specific roads in Bengaluru, including the Outer Ring Road, during peak hours to combat the city’s worsening traffic congestion. The proposed congestion tax aims to discourage the use of private vehicles during peak times and promote the use of public transportation as a means to alleviate traffic woes. To facilitate the collection of this tax, authorities are exploring the utilization of the FASTag system, which has been operational in Bengaluru since 2021.
What Is Congestion Tax?
Congestion tax systems are designed to impose charges on vehicles entering designated urban zones during periods of high traffic flow. This approach has proven effective in addressing traffic congestion, reducing air pollution, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it serves as an incentive for individuals to switch from private cars to public transportation. While congestion taxes have faced resistance in Indian cities previously, numerous global metropolises such as London, Stockholm, and Singapore have successfully implemented similar systems.