Posted on 10/04/2004 1:24:20 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
PHILADELPHIA - Paying your road taxes in the future might depend more on how much you drive than how much gasoline you pump.
Texas is among a group of states researching how to replace the fuel tax with a fee based on the number of miles traveled — making every road a virtual tollway. Transportation officials from across the world discussed the concept here at last month's annual meetings of the trade groups representing the highway and tollway industries.
Fees for miles traveled would be measured by Global Positioning System receivers embedded in vehicles. The system would track which roads a motorist uses so the virtual tolls could be distributed to the appropriate agency.
Each jurisdiction could set its own per-mile fee. Data would be downloaded from vehicles monthly for billing, or could be transmitted at service stations in lieu of the gas tax.
Jack Lettiere, New Jersey transportation commissioner, said most states are falling short of collecting enough gas-tax revenue to meet mobility needs and they desire a new funding mechanism.
"We're hoping this is a theory that can go into practice," Lettiere said at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials meeting. "It has a lot of useful benefits."
Researchers love the idea that driving taxes could be adjusted to promote or discourage certain actions. The system could charge more per mile during peak hours, for instance, or add a surcharge for heavy trucks and sport utility vehicles.
Those promoting a mileage-based approach to highway taxes contend driving should be metered and billed according to use.
"Why shouldn't transportation be seen as a utility like electricity, water, etc.?" Hal Worrall, a consultant for Transportation Innovations Inc., asked during a panel at the International Bridge, Tunnel and Toll Road Association conference. "It's perceived as free in America and thus produces a large demand."
David Forkenbrock, director of the University of Iowa Public Policy Center, has been working on a model for four years. His research is funded by 15 states, including Texas, and the Federal Highway Administration.
As more hybrid and alternative-power vehicles are built, Forkenbrock said, gas-tax collections will suffer.
"A tax at the point of purchase is inferior to user charges at the exact point of travel," he said, explaining the growth of toll roads in recent years.
Oregon has already tested a mileage-based charge. It starts a pilot project next year with 280 volunteer drivers in Eugene, who will be exempt from fuel taxes in exchange for paying their per-mile assessment.
713-362-6832
traffic@chron.com
It's like smoking, they want to socially direct you and they want the taxes.
They're going to tax "smarter" and heftier.
Driving will have a sin tax over and above yearly tag costs, tire tax, etc., etc.
Well that's not quite true on the cell phone location thing.
Too many reflections and other problems to precisely locate cell phones reliably in real world environments.
New cell phones are coming out with GPS built in. That's different...
Friggin loser attitude that.
Of course this thing can be fought and bested.
Fees for miles traveled would be measured by Global Positioning System receivers embedded in vehicles.
WOW! Talk about expensive! I wonder how I could get the contract? Would I have to be an environmentalist/ democrat?
GPS is easily 'foiled'. Just put some mettalic tape over the antenna. A tin-foil hat, if you will.
There is absolutely no way states could afford to monitor everybodies car to ensure nobody does this.
The most I can see is a voluntary program, like the people who are volunteering to be neutered in Eugene.
If the states would cease diverting current taxes earmarked for infrastructure to social(ist) programs, there would be no need for creative taxations.
EZ Pass was just the camel's nose under the tent. Can't wait until they install breathalyzers and smoke detectors "for our safety".
And don't forget the power company meter reader who has to wear the GPS satellite backpack that tracks his every step...however long that lasts.
My neighborhood was recently changed over to the new digital broadcast meters and the data is now collected by simply driving down the street.
I have a problem with the gasoline tax (and other highway-based taxes) being stolen to build "light rail", "commuter rail", monorails, and other stuff, even if it "is" infrastructure. If cities want to use highway funds for mass transit, they should buy and uses buses.
Slaves and pets are kept on leashes....electronic or otherwise
Where is the ACLU? Oh yeah, silly me, they are protecting murderers.
Sorry, what was I thinking?
No sh!t. As if government doesn't have enough legit things to do without intruding into everyone's lives even more.
Even Republicans drool at the thought of new ways to collect new taxes.
Don't kid yourself. The GOP is hardly the party of "small government."
Er, wouldn't this would penalize people who drive fuel-efficient cars as much as it would those who drive gas guzzlers?
D'oh. (Bonking self on head) Of course it would. Which would encourage people to say to heck with their fuel-efficent cars. Which would cause them to buy more gas. Which would increase gas tax revenues. Which would fill state coffers. I get it. They get drivers both ways.
bump
Yeah you little PUKE, that's part of our rights as Americans - freedom to travel where and when we frickin choose!
Grrrr. This little commie ........(insert pejorative) needs to be ...........(insert word-phrase).
Tin-foil hat alert!!!
The next step would be for the government to monitor you everywhere you go, via a court order. Say the police suspect you of criminal activity. This would be easy to do. They do this at this time now with big rigs on the highway. I just read about a guy doing this with his ex-girlfriend, by implanting a GPS device underneath her car. She would go someplace, then all of a sudden, this guy would just happen to show up, using his computer to track her.
Oh my God.
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