- Tennessee DOT Launches Express Lanes Project Virtual Meeting Room
- North Carolina Conducts Public Outreach On Transportation Funding Options
- Expecting EV Owners To Make Up Fuel Tax Loss Has Placed Some States In A Dilemma . . .
- But A Better Approach To Funding Reform -- RUC -- Is Fraught With Political Risk
- Looking To Create A Greener City, LA Mayor Proposes A Car-Free 2028 Olympics
- These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.
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Tennessee DOT Launches Express Lanes Project Virtual Meeting Room
Tennessee DOT is holding public meetings this month to inform the public and gather feedback about its Interstate 24 Southeast Choice Lanes project, which is now undergoing environmental study. Construction of the state’s dynamically tolled express lanes is projected to start by 2027. WSMV and WTVF report on the project and TDOT’s public outreach.
TDOT has added some resources to the project website that provide insights into its planning. One is a virtual meeting room for which online registration is required. (Anonymous registration is supported.) Another is a brief video realization.
ETC Systems Express Lanes P3 & Privatization Public Outreach And Communication Tennessee Tennessee DOTNorth Carolina Conducts Public Outreach On Transportation Funding Options
WECT reports, North Carolina DOT and The Eastern Transportation Coalition (TETC) are collaborating on a public information and outreach initiative — “AdvaNCe Transportation Together” — that explores “future solutions as the motor fuels tax is becoming less reliable as a funding source. The fuels tax fund accounts for 43 percent of state revenues for the department, and it is becoming less reliable [and stable] due to more fuel efficient vehicles and electric vehicles.”
On Tuesday, NCDOT announced the launch of an initiative website that describes current state funding of transportation programs and sustainable alternatives the department it is exploring. One feature of the new site is an interactive online calculator that shows “how gas tax costs compare with other potential options,” such as a higher registration fee and mileage-based user fee. Site visitors can also respond to a short survey about transportation funding options, including tolls and road-use charges.
Company and Agency Financial Issues And Reports Eastern Transportation Coalition (Formerly I-95 Corridor Coalition) Economic & Social Considerations Affecting Transportation Electric and Hybrid Vehicles ETC Systems North Carolina North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) North Carolina Turnpike Authority Public Outreach And Communication Road Use Charging (RUC-MBUF-VMT) Transportation and Infrastructure Research & DevelopmentExpecting EV Owners To Make Up Fuel Tax Loss Has Placed Some States In A Dilemma . . .
POLITICO reports on the “scramble” by US states to find an acceptable, stable replacement for fuel taxation, which no longer provides adequate transportation program funding. “Some of the ideas are relatively new, such as fees on retail deliveries. Some, like expanding tolls, are almost as old as roads themselves.” So far, most state legislatures have adopted solutions that involve increasing fees and costs for electric vehicle owners, but that hasn’t remedied the budget problems and it’s set up a dilemma: “The more quickly drivers go electric, the more quickly gas tax revenues decline; the more states lean on EVs to make up lost gas tax revenue, the more it weighs down EV demand [and undermines climate action goals].”
The article notes, “The push-and-pull between climate and budget goals has left 13 states with policies that offer drivers extra money to buy an EV, before charging them extra for that purchase. The effect, some lawmakers warn, could resemble pressing the accelerator and the brakes at the same time: lots of sound and friction, only to stay in the same place.”
Company and Agency Financial Issues And Reports Economic & Social Considerations Affecting Transportation Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Environmental Protection Policies Procedures And InitiativesBut A Better Approach To Funding Reform -- RUC -- Is Fraught With Political Risk
POLITICO reports, a solution to the evaporation of federal and state fuel tax revenue — mileage-based road use charging — is “waiting in the wings.” The problem with that solution is getting elected officials to act on it. “Gas taxes are among the most politically risky issues elected officials can wade into, and few — on the state or the federal level — are willing to put their weight behind proposals to charge drivers to use public roads.” The article looks at where and how a minority of the states are exploring or preparing for a transition to road use fees.
Company and Agency Financial Issues And Reports Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Road Use Charging (RUC-MBUF-VMT)Looking To Create A Greener City, LA Mayor Proposes A Car-Free 2028 Olympics
Associated Press reports, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced she’s working with the organizing committee to host a “no-car” Summer Olympic Games in 2028. “We’re already working to create jobs by expanding our public transportation system in order for us to have a no-car Games,” she said. “And that’s a feat for Los Angeles, as we’ve always been in love with our cars. We’re working to ensure that we can build a greener Los Angeles.” Achieving Bass’ vision will be a mighty feat for a city that currently hosts just two subway lines, along with limited bus and light rail systems. The mayor’s strategy is to assemble a fleet of 3,000 buses borrowed from all over the country, and to convince major employers to switch to remote work for the 17-day run of the games. When LA hosted the games in 1984, then-mayor Tom Bradley convinced businesses to stagger their workforce hours in order to alleviate the city’s infamous gridlock.
The New York Times and Los Angeles Times also report on Mayor Bass’ transportation plan and its prospects for achievement.
California Environmental Protection Policies Procedures And Initiatives Los Angeles (CA) Metro RegionThese are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.
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