Citizens’ reactions to an hypothetical pricing scheme in Lyon.

Following Singapore (1975), some metropolitan areas introduced pricing schemes to make car users aware of the real costs of their trip. This research looks at citizens’ reactions to the hypothetical introduction of a road pricing scheme in Lyon (France). People’s perceptions were investigated through a sample of 61 persons selected according to a stratified sampling plan. A web-questionnaire was administered to the participants, and eight focus groups were then organized, each including about 7-8 persons. The focus groups allowed us to investigate the participants’ opinions, emotions, and reactions to the hypothetical introduction of different road pricing schemes in the urban area. An outcome often evoked is a likely progressive urban sprawl, but what the whole sample agreed upon is the need for a coherent policy both for transport planning and management in the Lyon metropolitan area, while respecting freedom of mobility. Qualitative methods allowed us monitoring citizens’ emotions, their reactions to road pricing, and changes of opinions when issues were analysed from multiple points of view. The outcomes highlighted the importance of using different methods when pricing issues are investigated.