The San Diego Association of Governments has proposed a mileage fee as part of its plan to modernize transportation and encourage public transit use as California aims to reduce carbon emissions and eliminate fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Joshua Emerson Smith describes San Diego's plan to institute a mileage-based driving fee while eliminating fares on the region's trolleys and buses. The plan, suggested by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), is part of the "$160 billion blueprint for modernizing transportation throughout the region, from dedicating highway lanes for buses and car pools to building an ambitious new high-speed transit system with a dozen new stations," reports Emerson Smith.
The article comes a week after the agency’s board approved free youth passes starting this spring through summer 2023. The pilot program, which would apply to those 18 years old and younger, still requires approval from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District.
The fare-free transit movement gained steam during the pandemic, as ridership fell drastically and transit agencies look to new ways to incentivize users and bring commuters back to the nation's trains and buses. Mileage fees, also known as vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fees, are getting a close look from states concerned about loss of fuel tax revenue due to the rising popularity of electric vehicles.
The San Diego fee would coincide with the launch of California's statewide road charge program, scheduled to begin in 2030. The state has also banned the sale of gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035, which will have a significant effect on the revenue generated from the state's gas tax—the primary source of funding for transportation projects in the state.
FULL STORY: San Diego region eye 'road charges' coupled with free public transit

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie