[westmanguy]

I've always bin of the opinion that all our license plates should have a scalable RFID-type chip (not like GPS tracable, but the same technology like if you cross over a tolled bridge, and it reads that sticker on top of your rearview mirror), and that the government should just install scanners on all the major highways/freeways/city arteries and just implement monthly billable road pricing. Completely do away with fuel excise taxes. And make the road pricing dependent on:

(a) Live/current level of congestion (this would be instantly knowable as with all license plates having the scan technology/scanners implemented on the routes; the system could have a live 'read" on current congestion levels)

(b) Time of day. Make it cheaper on lower congestion weekends/stats compared to M-F. And free/no toll at night say 9pm-5am.

(c) Type of vehicle. Base it on the year/model's fuel efficiency tied into whether that fuel efficiency is relevant to city stop-and-go driving or highway driving at steady/consistent speeds. Use a standard black book system that treats all models/years the same. This adds incentive for people buying more fuel efficient vehicles to be tolled at lower rates. Have an escalating scale based on fuel efficiency.

It'd be more effective way of funding all the roads/transit, it would encourage people to lower efficiency models, and people to take transit to save money during high congestion times. And it'd be a "smart" tax, based on live readings of congestion, time of day, etc. And provide tons of valuable data to urban planners about routes/driving patterns, etc.

I don't know how feasible a system like this would be, but I think it makes sense.

[DanSC]

Raising the gas tax a few cents also has built-in efficiency promotion, promotes electric vehicles heavily, and doesn't require the largest RFID system ever created.

[Zipperfish]

$1:

I've always bin of the opinion that all our license plates should have a scalable RFID-type chip (not like GPS tracable, but the same technology like if you cross over a tolled bridge, and it reads that sticker on top of your rearview mirror), and that the government should just install scanners on all the major highways/freeways/city arteries and just implement monthly billable road pricing. Completely do away with fuel excise taxes. And make the road pricing dependent on:

I think we're heading that way. I agree with you in principle. My problem is that the government will abuse the information, as they always do, but voicing privacy concerns these days seems almost naive.

The gas tax actually works well, because it taxes based on use and also provides incentive to use lower gas vehicles.

[martin14]

westmanguy westmanguy:

(b) Time of day. Make it cheaper on lower congestion weekends/stats compared to M-F. And free/no toll at night say 9pm-5am.

The UK talks about doing something similar.
Personally, I think the government already does wayyyyy too much monitoring of people.

and your (b), only punishes people trying to get to work, thanks.
You might change your opinion when you finish school and get a job.

[DanSC]

martin14 martin14:

and your (b), only punishes people trying to get to work, thanks.

Maybe the poors should learn to exclusively work the night shift!*

*This is a bad idea.

[peck420]

We could just build better roads...you know, with the actual intention of mitigating future maintenance costs...I know, I know...absurd!

[bootlegga]

westmanguy westmanguy:

I've always bin of the opinion that all our license plates should have a scalable RFID-type chip (not like GPS tracable, but the same technology like if you cross over a tolled bridge, and it reads that sticker on top of your rearview mirror), and that the government should just install scanners on all the major highways/freeways/city arteries and just implement monthly billable road pricing. Completely do away with fuel excise taxes. And make the road pricing dependent on:

(a) Live/current level of congestion (this would be instantly knowable as with all license plates having the scan technology/scanners implemented on the routes; the system could have a live 'read" on current congestion levels)

(b) Time of day. Make it cheaper on lower congestion weekends/stats compared to M-F. And free/no toll at night say 9pm-5am.

(c) Type of vehicle. Base it on the year/model's fuel efficiency tied into whether that fuel efficiency is relevant to city stop-and-go driving or highway driving at steady/consistent speeds. Use a standard black book system that treats all models/years the same. This adds incentive for people buying more fuel efficient vehicles to be tolled at lower rates. Have an escalating scale based on fuel efficiency.

It'd be more effective way of funding all the roads/transit, it would encourage people to lower efficiency models, and people to take transit to save money during high congestion times. And it'd be a "smart" tax, based on live readings of congestion, time of day, etc. And provide tons of valuable data to urban planners about routes/driving patterns, etc.

I don't know how feasible a system like this would be, but I think it makes sense.

They actually use RFID technology on 407 near Toronto for payments. There are other roads/highways around the world tha use some or all of your ideas for dealing with traffic.