A survey by HNTB Corp. found that 79 percent of respondents would support tolling currently untolled roads, including highways, if the revenue was used to improve traveling conditions on the tolled road.
A survey conducted by HNTB Corp., "an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm," found that 79 percent of U.S. residents "would support the addition of a toll on a non-tolled surface transportation facility if it resulted in a safer, congestion-free and more reliable trip," writes Keith Laing of The Hill.
It's a win-win, advocates argue. In addition to improving roads through better upkeep and reduced congestion, it would also reduce the $16 billion annual Highway Trust Fund shortfall (if tolls applied on federal highways.)
However, the anti-tolling Alliance for Toll-Free Interstates (ATFI) disputed the support for expanding tolling in the U.S. was as high as the HNTB poll found, pointing to other surveys that have painted a more muddled picture of public opinion on the topic.
It would appear that advocates face an uphill battle, notwithstanding the president's support for inclusion of tolling interstates in his Grow America plan. Tolling was not included in Sen. Barbara Boxer's stalled MAP-21 Reauthorization Act in order to keep it noncontentious.
Contradicting the HNTB poll was a May 7 poll showing overwhelming opposition to tolling interstate highways.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 22% of American Adults favor putting tolls on Interstate highways for infrastructure maintenance. Three times as many (65%) are opposed to turning the nation’s Interstates into toll roads, something that has been banned since 1956 when the highway system was created.
Rasmussen did not compare toll increases to gas tax increases though, which is what an academic poll in Wisconsin did (posted here). While tolls were viewed more favorably than hiking gas taxes, it was suggested that respondents may have opted for tolls because they could avoid driving on a tolled road - while increased gas taxes would be inescapable.
FULL STORY: Poll: 79 percent supports tolling to pay for highways

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)