Survey says Americans prefer fuel tax hike to mileage fee
In its 15th annual survey looking into federal-level transportation tax revenue, San José State University’s Mineta Transportation Institute asked Americans about their thoughts on various fuel tax increases and novel mileage fees.
A simple majority is fine with certain mileage fees, but nearly three-quarters support a fuel tax increase under certain conditions.
Survey respondents were asked whether they support a 10-cent increase to the existing 18-cent federal gas tax. They were given six different scenarios regarding how that revenue will be spent:
- For transportation in general
- To reduce local air pollution caused by transportation
- To reduce transport systems’ contribution to global warming
- To maintain streets, roads and highways
- To reduce accidents and improve safety
- To reduce traffic congestion
Only 35% support a fuel tax increase if the money is spent on a vague description of transportation. However, support skyrockets to more than 70% if revenue goes toward road maintenance or to reduce crashes and improve safety. Only about 60% support a fuel tax increase if the money is used for environmental-related purposes or to address congestion.
When it comes to a mileage fee, people are less open to the idea.
Respondents were asked how they feel about replacing the federal fuel tax with a fee that charges drivers for how many miles they drive instead. Only 39% support a flat-rate mileage fee of 3 cents per mile for all vehicles. However, half of respondents favor a variable green-rate fee where the average rate is 3 cents per mile, with vehicles polluting less charged less and vehicles polluting more charged more.
Compared to 15 years ago, support has gone way up for both a flat-rate fee and green-rate fee. Only 22% supported a flat-rate fee in 2010, with only 34% supporting a green rate.
The survey also reveals more support for a mileage fee on top of the federal fuel tax for commercial travel. Nearly 60% are fine with charging truckers an additional mileage fee, with 53% OK with the idea of an additional travel fee for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles like Uber and Lyft.
There does not seem to be a lot of support for giving electric vehicles preferential treatment. Nearly half of respondents believe electric vehicles should be charged the same rate as fossil fuel-powered vehicles for a mileage fee.
If a mileage fee were to be put in place, people prefer to pay incrementally. Nearly half favor paying each time they fuel up or charge, about a third prefer a monthly bill and about 20% like the idea of an annual bill. LL
Land Line’s Keith Goble contributed to this report.