Caltrans Considers Mileage Tax To Help Pay For Needed Highway Repairs
By Kelly Ryan
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Caltrans is studying a different way to tax drivers to help pay for much-needed repairs on state highways.
The plan calls for taxing Californians based on the miles they drive to help make up for a $5.7 billion shortfall as drivers go farther on a tank of gas in more fuel-efficient cars.
We're looking at options right now one one side of it is do you charge a set rate per mile traveled or do you do do you do it based on weight and miles traveled," said Caltrans spokeswoman Vanessa Wiseman.
The program will also look at how to track mileage, checking odometer readings when your register your car or in-vehicle technology.
Drivers agree charging based on how much cars use the roads is a more equitable tax.
Caltrans is looking for volunteers for the California Road Charge program. Those who participate won't pay anything out-of-pocket during the pilot program.