Simulating congestion pricing policy impacts on pedestrian safety using a system dynamics approach

Area of Science:

• Urban planning
• Transportation engineering
• Public health

Background:

• Congestion pricing policy (CPP) research typically focuses on economic and traffic benefits.
• Limited research exists on CPP's effects on vulnerable road user safety.
• Understanding factors influencing pedestrian safety under CPP is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a system dynamics model to analyze pedestrian injury mechanisms and CPP impacts.
• To explore how CPP design choices influence pedestrian safety outcomes.
• To provide a holistic view of interconnected effects of CPP on safety and congestion.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel system dynamics simulation model.
• Simulated pedestrian injury trends under various CPP scenarios and related interventions.
• Incorporated factors like infrastructure improvements and speed management.

Main Results:

• Pedestrian injury trends are sensitive to CPP design, including safety investments.
• Infrastructure and speed management interventions can improve safety alongside congestion reduction.
• Certain CPP designs (e.g., higher charges for for-hire vehicles) may reduce trips but increase pedestrian injuries.

Conclusions:

• System dynamics modeling offers a holistic approach to assess intended and unintended CPP effects.
• CPP implementation requires careful consideration of safety impacts on vulnerable road users.
• Integrated strategies combining congestion management and safety interventions are recommended.