Melbourne CityLink operator Transurban wants to increase peak-hour tolls to address congestion
Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | October 5, 2012
Melbourne CityLink operator Transurban wants to increase peak-hour tolls to address congestion.
Transurban Chairman Lindsay Maxsted told shareholders during yesterday’s annual general meeting that more efficient network pricing models will be considered.
He says they are a critical element in “spreading the load” across the network.
“The time is quickly coming where we must face concepts such as distance-based tolls, peak-hour pricing and demand pricing,” Maxsted says.
“We must utilise our existing networks better.”
He believes 40 percent of drivers in peak periods have a choice whether they need to be driving at the time. He hopes pricing incentives and public transport options will free up capacity for compulsory peak hour trips.
Meanwhile, Transurban CEO Scott Charlton has apologised for the tunnel closure that occurred on Wednesday and caused traffic gridlock.
“The incident is the first of its kind in 13 years of operating CityLink. While obviously a regrettable event, this business has an excellent track record,” he says.
