Feasibility of Mileage-Based User Fees: Application in Rural/Small Urban Areas of Northeast Texas

This study explores the application of mileage-based user fees, or vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) fees, as an alternative to the fuel tax in rural and small urban areas. The purpose of the study is to identify the issues associated with implementation of a potential new transportation funding system so that public and political concerns in rural communities can be addressed. Researchers began by reviewing and evaluating the current fuel tax system in Texas to establish a baseline for any future alternative financing mechanisms. In partnership with the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) the research team conducted several outreach activities within the study area to identify potential issues and challenges that could arise when a fundamental change in the existing transportation funding system is proposed. The researchers used a variety of public perception data collection tools – including stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and a community advisory committee – to identify public acceptance issues associated with implementing a mileage-based fee system in northeast Texas. The information gathered was used to develop a public acceptance framework for evaluating a future mileage-based user fee pilot project.

• Record URL:
  http://utcm.tamu.edu/publications/final_reports/Goodin_08-11-06.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This research was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University Transportation Center for Mobility

  Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A&M University System
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135

  North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority

  305 South Broadway, Suite 100
  Tyler, TX  United States 

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Baker, Richard
  • Goodin, Ginger
  • Lindquist, Eric
  • Shoemaker, David
• Publication Date: 2008-10-31

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: 57p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceptance; Financing; Mileage-based user fees; Outreach; Public participation; Rural highways; Small cities; Travelers; User charges; Vehicle miles of travel
• Geographic Terms: Texas
• Subject Areas: Finance; Highways; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01121765
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: UTCM Project #08-11-06
• Contract Numbers: DTRT06-G-0044 (Grant)
• Files: UTC, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 17 2009 12:30PM