Uber lobbying for Seattle road tolls in $10M policy plan

Mayor Jenny Durkan is developing a proposal to ease traffic through the downtown core.

  • By Wire Service
  • Tuesday, October 9, 2018 7:07am
  • Northwest

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Ride-sharing company Uber says it will spend money lobbying for road tolls on downtown Seattle streets as part of its $10 million policy agenda.

Uber is advocating “sustainable mobility” in multiple cities over the next three years and will support congestion pricing in Seattle.

Mayor Jenny Durkan is developing a proposal to ease traffic through the downtown core in an effort to reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Both Uber and rival Lyft have supported that idea.

Similar toll systems are in place in London, Stockholm and Singapore, where it can cost more than $15 to drive into the city center during peak periods.

Uber said tolls are preferable to vehicle caps that would its limit business.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Northwest

An apartment building under construction in Olympia, Washington in January 2025. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
Next stop for Washington housing: More construction near transit

Noticed apartment buildings cropping up next to bus and light rail stations?… Continue reading

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard Lt Gov. Denny Heck presiding over the Senate floor on April 27.
Washington tries to maintain B.C. ties amid Trump era tensions

Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and others traveled to Victoria to set up an interparliamentary exchange with British Columbia, and make clear they’re not aligned with the president’s policies or rhetoric.

Commuters from Whidbey Island disembark their vehicles from the ferry Tokitae on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018 in Mukilteo, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Bids for five new hybrid ferries come in high

It’s raising doubts about the state’s plans to construct up to five new hybrid-electric vessels with the $1.3 billion lawmakers have set aside.

A speed limiter device, like this one, will be required for repeat speeding offenders under a Washington law signed on May 12, 2025. The law doesn’t take effect until 2029. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Washington to rein in fast drivers with speed limiters

A new law set to take effect in 2029 will require repeat speeding offenders to install the devices in their vehicles.

Members of the Washington Public Employees Association march at the 2025 public service recognition event at the state Capitol on May 7, 2025. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
Union urges Ferguson not to sign budget without their pay raises

Lawmakers say a union representing 5,300 Washington state workers and community college employees ratified a contract too late to be funded this year.

Attorney General Nick Brown (center) announces a lawsuit against the Trump administration in Seattle, Washington, on May 9, 2025, over its declaration of an energy emergency. (Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Trump energy emergency latest target for Washington AG

In a 15-state lawsuit filed in federal court in Seattle, states argue the president is abusing his authority to fast-track fossil fuel projects.

WA State Supreme Court upholds ban on high-capacity ammo magazine sales

Firearm magazines that hold more than 10 rounds will remain outlawed under a 2022 law that a gun shop challenged as unconstitutional.

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard The Washington state Capitol on April 18.
Why police accountability efforts failed again in the Washington Legislature

Much like last year, advocates saw their agenda falter in the latest session.

Heavy rain eroded part of Upper Hoh Road, closing it in December. (Photo courtesy of Jefferson County) Heavy rain eroded part of Upper Hoh Road, closing it in December. (Photo courtesy of Jefferson County)
Hoh Rain Forest road to reopen after state assistance to repair washout

With the help of over $600,000 in state money, the sole access… Continue reading

A person turns in their ballot at a ballot box located near the Edmonds Library in Edmonds, Washington on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Decision on investing WA Cares tax dollars in stock market goes to ballot

A proposed constitutional amendment would let assets, which exceed $1.6B, be invested much like the state’s pension funds. Voters rejected the idea in 2020.

Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks to lawmakers and other officials at the state Capitol on Jan. 15 during his inaugural address. Throughout the legislative session, Ferguson indicated he would support legislation to cap rent increases, but he never voiced public support for the bill.
Behind the scenes, Ferguson backed bill to cap rent increases for months

The governor finally voiced support publicly for the legislation on Wednesday after a lawmaker shared information about his views.

A couple walks around Harborview Park as the Seaspan Brilliance, a 1,105-foot cargo ship, moors near the Port of Everett on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 in Everett, Washington. The ship is moored until it can offload its cargo in Vancouver, B.C. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
WA ports await sharp drop in cargo as Trump’s tariff battle with China drags on

Shippers trying to get ahead of the import taxes drove a recent surge, officials say.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.