Urban Toll Highway Concession System in Santiago, Chile: Lessons Learned after 15 Years

Abstract

Since the 2000s, the city of Santiago, Chile has experienced severe congestion problems in its urban area. To face them, the government decided to promote the first full network of electronic toll highway concessions ever implemented in a metropolitan area worldwide. The toll system was defined fully free-flow and interoperable across all concessions, requiring a complex enforcement mechanism to make it effective. Although previous research studied specific issues of the highway program, an overall analysis of its performance over time was missing. Using a case study methodology, information was gathered from literature review studies, statistical sources, and interviews with key stakeholders. This paper found that the concession model is a feasible alternative to finance and operate a network of urban toll highways using an interoperable electronic toll collection (ETC) system. However, future experiences should take into account crucial aspects such as the need to promote integration with public transportation means, to avoid separation among neighborhoods, and to adopt regulatory measures to prevent congestion in the future.