National Transporation Commission Calls For 40 Cent Gas Tax Increase

The long-awaited report by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission has finally been released and it's sure to create a stir as it calls for annual increases in the gas tax of 5 to 8 cents for 5 years, and then some.

1 minute read

January 17, 2008, 1:00 PM PST

By Irvin Dawid


"The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, a "non-partisan panel created by Congress, issued a report calling for a massive infusion of money into the country's transportation system, including transit as well as commercial and passenger rail service."

"'We have a looming crisis,' said Jack Schenendorf, vice chairman of the National Surface Transportation Policy Revenue Study Commission."

He described the crisis as being intergenerational in that the preceding generation created a world-class road system that the current generation is allowing to deteriorate because it is under-funded, "spending less that 40%" of what is should on surface transportation.

"The commission also called on the country to move away from the gas tax toward a system where drivers are taxed for highways based on how many miles they drive.

The commission's sweeping report also recommended fee increases to pay for new transit projects, new passenger rail service and improving ways to move freight to market. The commission's recommendations included:

•A federal ticket tax on bus or light rail trips to help pay for transit service.

•A freight fee to help pay for moving products.

•A tax on train tickets to help pay for more intercity passenger rail service. The commission envisions a high-speed rail network in 13 to 15 major corridors across the United States that are 300 to 500 miles length."

Tuesday, January 15, 2008 in The Kansas City Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today