Decision Makers’ Guide to Road Tolling in CAREC Countries

Abstract

Cumulative transport investments under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program reached $23.4 billion in 2017 through which approximately 9,964 kilometers of expressways or national highways were built or improved. For the upkeep of road corridors, CAREC countries agreed to take measures to set up road funds and road tolling to ensure adequate maintenance funding. This guide presents fundamental concepts of road tolling; addresses concerns typically faced in the introduction of tolls; and provides useful tips for design, implementation, and operation of toll road projects. It highlights challenges decision makers may face in implementing toll road projects and extracts lessons from international experiences relevant to the circumstances of CAREC countries.