Posted on 05/24/2024 6:37:17 AM PDT by Libloather
States are seeking out ways to recoup losses from lost gas tax revenue.
California, which relies on gas tax and other fuel tax revenues to support its roadway maintenance, is piloting the idea of a "road charge," which would charge drivers based on the number of miles they drive rather than how much gas they purchase. The pilot program was initiated due to the fact that the collection of gas tax revenue is estimated to decrease in the coming years, according to the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).
CalSTA officials told FOX Business that a bill, signed in 2021, established the pilot program to test the potential feasibility of alternative ways they can pay to maintain the state’s roads, which the agency said could even "show a net savings for some motorists under certain circumstances."
Participation in the program is completely optional, though participants can earn up to $400 in incentives for helping the agency test this system. Participants will experience paying different road charge rates, and in turn provide feedback to the state about their experience, according to the agency. To report their mileage, they will be able to choose between manual odometer entry, an onboard plug-in device with or without GPS, or in-vehicle telematics without GPS.
The state has been exploring alternative revenue after the enactment of the state Senate Bill 1077 in 2014, which determined that it was "important for the state to begin to explore alternative revenue sources that may be implemented in lieu of the antiquated gas tax structure now in place," according to the California Department of Transportation, otherwise known as Caltrans.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxbusiness.com ...
Only a software "switch". All that meta-data is stored and is accessible by federal agencies.
It cannot always be used in a court of law.
“It’s about drunk driving, don’cha know?”
Yeah, that’ll be the party line......just like “a pandemic of the UN-vaccinated”
So, will my 45 mpg smart car get the same tax per mile as an F-350 duelly?
Or, will they factor in vehicle weight and maybe size?
Gas tax sort of does that already, as the heavier vehicles generally get worse milage.
And of course by miles, not fuel, the pick up all the EVs.
Even if you’re a passenger in a car they will tax you because you are still using the road.
= = =
So, swipe the phone of who ever has been causing you problems.
Put in in some long haul truck or bus, or the such.
Sit and wait for their bill to arrive.
“So, will my 45 mpg smart car get the same tax per mile as an F-350 duelly?”
For the first month or so...
What it does mean is if you are an essential worker you will be again,penalized.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.