Posted on 01/16/2010 2:47:27 PM PST by Dubya
A tax on the miles you drive could be a way to pay for Texas roads in the future.
Texas transportation planners are studying the idea of a mileage meter to help raise money.
Cars built after 1999 have a computer port that can access many types of data about the vehicle.
Progressive Insurance already offers a device that connects to that port for pay as you go rates.
Mileage does have a lot to do with it, said Mike Leonard, a Progressive insurance agent in Carrollton. The less the miles, the less exposure Progressive has. So therefore, theyre willing to give you a discount on your rates.
The Texas Department of Transportation is investigating whether such a device might also be used to tax drivers for how much they use roads.
Im not ready to embrace that technology, but it is a technology we may have to look at, said State Sen. John Carona, of Dallas, a Republican.
Carona said Texas has an estimated $100 billion worth of unfunded transportation needs. The money simply does not exist, and if people are being honest with constituents, they come out and just tell them that," he said. "We dont have the money in Austin, and there isnt the ability locally to raise this money to be able to solve these problems.
Carona said a 20-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax approved 19 years ago no longer covers Texas transportation requirements.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcdfw.com ...
I totally agree.
A GPS based system could be rather cost effective. When combined with a GIS database of streets and highways, a GPS based system could calculate mileage by types of roads, time of day, congestion, etc. Of course such a system could be used for a massive increase in government intrusion into our lives.
Don't you wish there was a political party that actually support that.
Oh TKD, that’s an easy fix. Just have them check your milage papers at the border when you leave and return. No problem!
Papers Please.
But increased fuel efficiency decreases revenue per mile. Also electrical, natural gas, and possibly other alternative fuels aren't taxed.
Somehow, I don’t see Texans going for this. At all.
And, somehow, I don’t think Perry (whom I have a deep seated suspicion of) is politically stupid enough to acutally favor this.
On a side note, it seems to me that Texas Republicans could do better than Rick Perry OR Kay Bailey Hutchinson. I mean, the Tea Party in Texas is by far one of t he tops in the nation. Where do these Texas Tea Patriers stand on the Governors race?
Maybe “fewer” make hard spell for government school kids.
Hard words not good no more.
No thanks, Big Brother.
In other words, the whole traffic ticket system could be automated, with the tax fine money deducted automatically from your bank account.
That might come to pass in the future if the wrong people keep gettin gelected and passing bad laws.
Kidding today, but it is coming sooner than anyone cares to believe.
Rino Perry is all for it.
This something you heard Rick say? Or is it just more Kay Bailey slime?
Exactly. You know... KBH is the RINO here... big time. She’s sold us out to the feds now wants to finish us off in the Governors Mansion. All her babbling about the Corridor... WTF! If it would reduce traffic on GD I35, go for it! It’s a nightmare. How many times have you been stuck in the same 1/2 mile segment of highway because of congestion???
The debate the other night...Missy Kay didn’t answer any question asked of her. She just babbled. Especially when the panel asked about Roe V Wade. Answer the question and stop playing games. You’re either for it or against it.
Wasn’t real impressed with Medina, though she spoke as a patriot and defender of the constitution. She needs some spit and polish and maybe she’ll be ready in a few years.
“increased fuel efficiency decreases revenue per mile”
And electric cars might actually be worthwhile in ~20 years. Just plug it in & go. They’ll want to keep getting their pound of flesh
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.