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Is the Vehicle Mileage Tax a good idea to replace the Gas Tax?

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  • J.K.Logic
    2015-03-23 07:48:04 PM
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    I know of a handful of states that are looking to implement a Vehicle Mileage Tax, in hopes of replacing that tax with the under-performing and current gas tax. Looks as though Maryland, California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada are the stages that are already in the prelim status of doing this, or are on the brink.

    Do you think this is a good idea? I suppose the reasoning is to find a way to get more tax revenue for road construction, bridges, infrastructure, etc.. where the gas tax has dropped the ball, thanks in large part to much more fuel efficient vehicles and the recent drop in oil barrels and gas prices at the pump.

    How about it? Would you rather gas at the pump not be taxed at all, and instead have a meter in your car that tallies your every mile and taxes you accordingly? Or would you rather keep it the way that it is? If you live in one of the states above (as I do not) have they already tried this on you yet? Does it work? I know that the West Coast states were months away from starting this, when I read up on it. Thoughts?
  • JaredS
    2015-03-23 10:48:37 PM
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    J.K.Logic Wrote: How about it? Would you rather gas at the pump not be taxed at all, and instead have a meter in your car that tallies your every mile and taxes you accordingly? Or would you rather keep it the way that it is? If you live in one of the states above (as I do not) have they already tried this on you yet? Does it work? I know that the West Coast states were months away from starting this, when I read up on it. Thoughts?
    I live in Oregon and have read up on this a bit, but it just doesn't make that much sense to me. In the long run, I just don't get how would it be any different than the gas tax. Instead of being taxed on the gas you pump into your car, you would get a tax bill each month for the miles that you drive. It just seem's like one giant accounting gimmick without tackling the real problem, which is that our roads and bridges are crumbling everywhere around us and the Federal Government is unable to do anything about it.

    The only way I can see this making sense is if it will generate more money for a states transportation infrastructure projects. This is something I fully support, but it just seems like we're playing a giant game of whack-a-mole without addressing the real issues.

    I actually think toll roads are a far better source of revenue for a state. This is a sure fire way to charge people for the miles they drive because they can't go from A to B (on a major thoroughfare) without being charged for passage. It's definitely not a catchall, especially for those who don't live around areas that aren't major thoroughfares, but I do think it would generate more money for states as a whole because then you can charge everyone, regardless of the state they live in, to travel on major roads because even out of state individuals would be required to pay the toll.
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