Highways Will Fare Better With Tolls

Tolls provide a more reliable source of funding for America’s future highway system than fuel taxes. But it is now possible to have toll roads without tollbooths, according to a new report from Reason Public Policy Institute. In the study, Putting Customers in the Drivers Seat: the Case for Tolls, transportation expert Peter Samuel argues that technological improvements make 21st century tolling a customer-friendly system.Samuel points out that because of inflation and dramatic increases in fuel efficiency, fuel taxes now collect far less per mile driven than 40 or 50 years ago. Witnessing the growing need for highway investment and the shrinking value of fuel taxes, lawmakers have two options, either massive fuel-tax increases, or more widespread use of tolls. Political opposition to tax hikes make it clear that toll use will have to expand.

Thanks to Reason Public Policy Institute