An Economic Valuation Assessment in case of Changing the Toll Collection Structure from Flat-rate Toll Collection to Distance-Based Toll Collection

Abstract

At present, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has collected the expressway in the form of an open system and closed system. In the open system, tolls are collected in a Flat-Rate, which is regardless of the distance traveled, the toll must be paid at a fixed rate. From the concept of analysis, when modifying the toll collection structure to be the Distance-Based toll collection model, it can create more benefits for the society as a whole. The toll users can pay the toll according to the actual cost. This article provides a cost-benefit analysis of Distance-Based tolling by using the traffic data on the expressway and the forecasting of the traffic volume obtained from the model analysis, and comparing the benefits and costs that will be incurred if toll collection structures are modified, such as the Value of Time Saving and Vehicle Operating Cost Saving, as well as assessing economic value indicators. As a result, the producer surplus has negative benefits but it can compensate by the larger proportion in benefits of consumer surplus. Therefore, it can be concluded that the welfare of society as a whole will increase in case of there is a distance-based toll collection project. Moreover, this economic valuation assessment still requires the sensitivity analysis of demand for the toll rate elasticity, the greater resilience of users to toll rate demand, the greater the benefit to society as a whole.