A summer pilot program will test the fairness and efficacy of collection mechanisms for mileage-based fee options.
Gas taxes make up roughly 80 percent of California road and highway repair funding, but as more drivers switch to electric cars and the state prepares to ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars in 2035, that key funding source is in peril. California authorities are trialing alternative revenue generators.
“The new pilot program will pay Californian drivers of any vehicle type up to $400 to test alternative options for six months starting in August,” explains Alia Shoaib in Newsweek. The program includes two alternatives: a flat per-mile fee or an individual rate that varies with a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The pilot is designed to test the collection process and ensure it is “fair and reliable.” The state is seeking 800 participants for the program.
FULL STORY: California Tests Gas Tax Alternative
Can State Lawmakers Make the Case for Road Charges?
More state legislatures are considering fees based on vehicle miles traveled as a replacement for declining gas tax revenues.
Mississippi Aims to Abolish Income Tax — and Replace it With Gas Tax
The new gas tax would fund MDOT and the Strategic Multi-Modal Investments Fund.
New Jersey Bill Would Raise Gas Tax, Create EV Registration Fee
The bill’s supporters argue that increased revenue is needed to keep up with the state’s infrastructure and transportation needs.
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
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Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
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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
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Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
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