Rapid urbanization has induced an enormous strain on the ability of government to fund road infrastructure construction and maintenance projects. It has become common to consider financing from other sources such as foreign loans and private sector investments under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme. These sources require the generation of revenues through the imposition of tolls on the road-users. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors affecting the road-users' willingness and ability to pay road tolls. This research investigates the willingness-to-pay attitude of car-users in Metro Manila. Stated-Preference Field Surveys and Focus Group Sessions are undertaken to collect data on car-users current travel characteristic, socio-economic profiles, mode choice attitudes and perceptions, and willingness-to-pay road charges. The research findings indicate that travel time and cost, work trip purpose and the socio-economic characteristics greatly affect the willingness-to-pay attitude of car users. An analysis of willingness-to-pay attitudes as part of transportation planning studies is very vital in formulating appropriate policies for effective implementation of toll road pricing. Other factors, which may affect the willingness to pay attitude of road-users include awareness of environmental problems, level of road traffic congestion and safety and convenience of alternative travel modes. Further studies should be undertaken to explore said factors.
