Alternatives to the motor fuel tax : final report.

PDFTech ReportOR-RD-02-06SR 561User chargesFuel taxesMileage-based user feesOregonOregon. Dept. of Transportation. Research UnitRufolo, Anthony M.Bertini, Robert L.Kimpel, Thomas J. (Thomas Jeffrey)Oregon. Dept. of Transportation. Research GroupUS Transportation CollectionThe National Highway Cooperative Research Program (NCHRP) published its Report 377, Alternatives to Motor Fuel Taxes for Financing Surface Transportation Improvements, in 1995. Increased fuel efficiency and the use of alternative fuels were seen as potential threats to future road finance due to the heavy reliance on fuel taxes. Much has happened since 1995. Technological progress in vehicle fuel-efficiency, alternative fuel vehicles, and methods of collecting alternative types of revenue, has been substantial. This research project focused on updating the work of NCHRP Report 377 to better evaluate the potential for alternatives to motor fuel taxes. The project maintained a primary focus on passenger vehicles and on the issues that must be addressed in designing an alternative. The project consisted of a literature review, an analysis of the economic issues related to fuel tax alternatives, and an analysis of the technological issues related to fuel tax alternatives. Several conclusions and recommendations for further research are offered. In addition, the report outlines several issues that policy makers will have to address as they explore alternatives to dependency on fuel tax revenue