What Difference Does Time Make? Analysis of Driver Behaviors Before and After Toll Implementation

Abstract

This study examines if and how drivers respond to tolls differently after implementation by analyzing drivers’ intention to pay tolls and toll avoidance behaviors. We apply the Theory of Planned Behavior to connect intention to pay and avoidance behavior to three categories of predictors: attitudes toward tolls, perceptions of toll benefits, and ability to pay. Since the theory does not explicitly consider factors such as past experience and changes in the decision-making process over time, we utilize three analytical approaches to examine: (1) if time affects intention to pay tolls and toll avoidance behavior; (2) pathways through which time makes a difference, and (3) how factors influencing intention behaviors change pre- and post-toll implementation. We find that time does in fact matter; there are direct and indirect pathways through which time makes a difference and time changes the strength of the relationships between intention to pay and behavior.