Congestion pricing in Stockholm, has reduced traffic in the Swedish capital by 18 percent, according to traffic authorities there. The fee-based approach, which began formally in August 2007, has also seen the proportion of green, tax-exempt vehicles rise to 9 percent. The study also found that access to the city has improved significantly with a reduction in travel times on inner city streets and approach roads.
IBM has been the prime contractor on the project, which covers more than 9 square miles of Stockholm, since a pilot version was launched in 2006. It is the largest project of its kind in Europe.
"Traffic has remained substantially lower since the pilot with IBM, which has brought significant benefits to Stockholm residents. The scheme is meeting the objectives set by the city of reducing traffic volumes, improving accessibility for buses and cars, and improving the environment," said Birger Hook, Director of the Swedish Road Administration's traffic registry.
In addition to working with Stockholm, IBM is helping the cities of London, Singapore and Brisbane address their traffic management and congestion challenges.
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IBM Continues to Help City of Stockholm Significantly Reduce Inner City Road Traffic (press release)