Simulation-based analysis of road-pricing prospects for Athens, Greece

The objective of this paper is to explore the potential future use of road pricing for Athens, Greece. Road-pricing schemes are surveyed, focusing primarily on the European experience, and are used to contribute to the discussion regarding the possible future adoption of a road-pricing scheme in Athens, Greece. The main features and problems of the transportation landscape in Athens are outlined, and results from a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT) analysis are presented. The key issues, required conditions, and options associated with a possible future implementation of an urban road-pricing scheme in the Athens metropolitan area are presented. The analysis is validated through a series of face-to-face interviews that were undertaken with a panel of key experts. The selected parameters of possible future road-pricing schemes in Athens are simulated and various measures of effectiveness are collected and analyzed. Sensitivity analysis of the demand levels that would result from the deployment of the system is also performed, while the elasticities of the demand in response to the system are also calculated. The results indicate that while currently there are more direct instruments to address traffic congestion, in the future, urban tolls may provide a useful complementary tool toward a sustainable transportation system for Athens.