The Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota has prepared a comprehensive report on the shortcomings of the fuel tax and how to transition to what they call a mileage-based user fee, a form of a vehicle-miles-traveled fee.
From the report's conclusion: "First and foremost, fuel taxes are not sustainable for funding surface transportation, but the mileage-based user fee (MBUF) would be."
Unlike the conclusions from prior federal commissions and reports, the CTS recommends a transitional revenue mechanism that will lead to the final replacement of the fuel tax. This transitional option includes a federal and state fuel tax component that "would be reset to a lowerbase rate that would be sufficient to generate revenues for baseline transportation needs."
• Mileage-Based Charge Component-Federal and State Level "to fund road and bridge reconstruction and expansion"
• Mileage-Based Charge Component-Local Option for local roads.
The first step, however, is for "policymakers to understand the shortcomings of fuel taxes and how unsustainable they are in the long run." The report highlights the challenges to adopting the MBUF as well.
Thanks to John Hartz
FULL STORY: From Fuel Taxes to Mileage-Based User Fees: Rationale, Technology, and Transitional Issues
Over $14 Million Awarded to Eight Projects to Find Alternatives to Gas Taxes
The U.S. Department of Transportation is funding ways to transition from the gas tax to other user-based revenue mechanisms to fund transportation infrastructure. The federal gas tax hasn't keep pace with transportation expenditures since 2008.
What Will Replace Gas Taxes?
States are developing a variety of mechanisms for replacing dwindling gas tax revenue, which most rely on for the majority of their transportation funding.
Utah to Test Personalized Road Usage Pricing
A pilot program will use GPS-enabled devices to track driving habits, allowing cities to use the data to create road pricing fee structures based on hyper-local and individual driving needs.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont