All eyes are on Oregon as it rolls out its road usage charge program, known as OReGO. So far Oregonians have been slow on the uptake.
Chris Hill reports: "The Oregon Road Usage Charge Program, known as OReGO, only managed 801 volunteers in its first month, a mere 16 percent of the total 5,000 cars and light-duty commercial vehicles that are being allowed in the program this year."
The program began charging participants 1.5 cents per mile driven ion the state on July 1. The article includes more details about how exactly the program works.
On a more positive note, Hill also reports that "44 percent, or 355, of those signing up had vehicles in the high miles per gallon category," which pay less in gas taxes to use the road because they use less gas. The thinking goes that the more high mileage cars that use the system, the more the state will make up the difference in taxes collected.
Innovative Road Funding Pilot Program Advances in California
State Sen. Scott Wiener authored legislation dubbed the Gas Tax Alternative Pilot to extend the California Road Charge Program that completed its pilot in 2017. The program takes on more significance with the 2035 sales ban of gas-powered vehicles.
Seven State DOTs Awarded $10 Million to Study Gas Tax Alternatives
When transportation spending was last reauthorized, rather than hike the gas tax to maintain current spending, Congress diverted general fund revenue. A program to study alternative revenue options was created so states could launch pilot projects.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Pittsburgh Excels at Low-Cost, Quick-Build Traffic Calming
The city’s traffic calming initiative has led to a 6 percent average reduction in speeds on corridors with recent interventions.
Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy
A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.
Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing
The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.
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