Planners generally aim for a utilitarian investigation of the effects. Tolls impact individual trips, but are also shown (in certain use-cases, like congestion

Planners generally aim for a utilitarian investigation of the effects. Tolls impact individual trips, but are also shown (in certain use-cases, like congestion charges) to improve traffic flow and increase transit use - time spent stuck in traffic increases fuel use and pollution, and slows everyone's average time per trip. In the extreme traffic case of overflowing gridlock, as often happens in developing-world megacities, everyone loses. The arguments are very similar around taxes on cigarettes or soda: A painful measure that may save money or improve health outcomes in the long-term. In the end, it's just one more tool that has to be used judiciously.