Calgary think-tank recommends toll lanes to raise revenue and reduce travel time

CALGARY – A Calgary-based think-tank is touting the idea of setting up toll lanes to help generate revenue and reduce the loss of productivity due to excessive travel times.

Bob Brunnen from the Manning Centre for Democratic Education says there are three major thoroughfares in Calgary that could easily be changed to include toll lanes as part of a pilot project.

He says they would generate up to $76 million annually which could be funnelled back into road repair and construction.

Brunnen says the length of a daily commute would be reduced by 29 per cent for those who decide to opt into the plan.

He says the cost to a driver would be roughly $5 per day.

Brunnen says he expects there would be initial opposition to the idea, but as the benefits begin to become apparent, that would likely change.