Study suggests American prefer tolls over taxes

A new America THINKS survey from HNTB suggests the answer to the US funding crisis may lie in tolling.

"Decades of underinvestment have left the US transportation system in a losing battle against time, population growth, weather and wear," said Jack Finn, HNTB national director of toll services. "There is no such thing as a free road. Tolling is a proven source of alternative funding, already used in a variety of locations across the country. Its primary appeal – as a user fee – means those who use the road pay for the road."

According to the survey, most Americans support tolls on roads and bridges to generate transportation revenue, especially those that save them drive time. And when it comes to construction, Americans prefer a focus on fixing existing infrastructure than building new facilities.

When given a choice between new roads funded by an increased gas tax, by new tolls or no new roads at all, Americans prefer tolls (41%) or no new roads at all (41%) over increased gas taxes (18%).

A strong majority of those surveyed (84%) feel tolls should be considered project-by-project or as a primary source of transportation revenue. Only a small minority (16%) say tolls should never be used.

"Tolling is about giving people choices, which adds to its appeal," Finn said. "Historically toll roads have been constructed where there also are non-toll alternatives. People decide whether to pay for a congestion-free ride or not."

Asked where they would be willing to spend more money to support long-term transportation improvements in their area, respondents ranked tolling ahead of other options, with nearly four in 10 (39%) choosing additional road and bridge tolls versus additional public transportation fees (29%), vehicle registration fees (23%), sales taxes (20%), gas taxes (18%), income taxes (11%) or property taxes (9%).

23 July 2010