Fitch Ratings: “US Interstate Tolling Is Merited, but Warrants Caution”

[Editor: This is the text of a news release from Fitch Ratings.]

Fitch: “Fair” U.S. Interstate Tolling Can Curb Highway Deficits

Fitch Ratings — New York — 16 February 2017: A widening chasm for the U.S. economy – highway, road and bridge funding deficits – can be curbed by establishing interstate U.S. tolling, according to a Fitch Ratings special report. It’s a rather lofty task, however, that would need to be approached fairly and pragmatically.

The current tolling framework across the U.S. seems to have no sustainable rationale for the average citizen for why some highways (in states on the east coast and the southeast, for instance) are tolled and some highways (like in many western states) are not. This fosters distrust which any expansion of tolling must deal with to succeed.

The U.S. highway system accounts for over 47,000 miles of U.S. interstate roads and 17,000 miles of other limited access highways. Despite accounting for less than 2% of the national roadway network, one-third of total vehicle miles traveled are on these roadways, and they need to be maintained and improved.

“The financial flexibility to implement low to moderate interstate toll rates is considerable without creating meaningful long-term economic risks,” said Managing Director Cherian George. “Importantly, though, the government will need to change the general public’s perception of interstate tolls as double-taxation.” Failure to alter this collective mindset would lead to widespread public opposition that could threaten and ultimately undermine a prospective plan’s success.

As such, numerous economic, social and political factors need to be taken into consideration in order for an interstate tolling program to be successful. “Above all, tolling across highways needs to equitable so that some users do not bear an inordinate share of the cost,” said George.

“US Interstate Tolling Merited But Warrants Caution” is available at ‘www.fitchratings.com‘ [or by clicking here].

Contact:

Cherian George, Managing Director
+1-212-908-0519
Fitch Ratings, Inc., 33 Whitehall Street, New York, NY 10004

Scott Monroe, Director
+1-415-732-5618

Media Relations:

Sandro Scenga, New York

+1 212-908-0278

Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com.

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