Road repairs

Top line:

Why it is important: Officials say a new system is needed because more Californians are switching to fuel-efficient vehicles, meaning less revenue from gasoline taxes at the pump. Electric car drivers pay no tax at all – a budget burden that will become even more severe as more people abandon traditional internal combustion engines.

Why now: “This is a really great opportunity for you to experience something and try something out and then give your opinion to the decision makers,” Lauren Prehoda, the program manager, told LAist. “Is this a good solution for the state? Is this something we should move forward and consider?”

The background story: The state legislature passed a Bill in 2014 to begin investigating the toll system. The first pilot project was launched a few years later and successfully tested more than 5,000 vehicles and 37 million miles.

What’s next: People drive as normal for six months, pay their monthly road tolls online and receive a credit towards petrol or electric vehicles at the end of the scheme so they are not taxed twice.

Go deeper: Read more about the pilot program and how to apply.

California is considering replacing the gasoline tax that funds the lion’s share of road repairs and other transportation projects with a more sustainable source of funding—and the state needs your help to test this option.

Officials say a new system is needed because more Californians are switching to fuel-efficient vehicles, which means less revenue from gasoline taxes at the pump. Drivers of all electric vehicles pay no tax at all – a budget burden that will become even more severe as more people give up traditional combustion engines. About 80% of the roads Repair work is financed by revenues from mineral oil taxes.

To offset these losses, Caltrans officials say applications for the Pilot project for the collection of road tolls in 2024where people across the state can earn up to $400 for participating in the six-month program.

Lauren Prehoda, the program’s director, told LAist this is an opportunity for people to help shape the state’s future funding.

“This is a really great opportunity for you to experience something and try something out and then give your opinion to the decision makers,” she said. “Is this a good solution for the state? Is this something we should move forward and consider?”

What is a road toll?

A road toll is a fee based on the number of miles driven, as opposed to a gasoline tax, which is based on the number of gallons consumed.

The state legislature passed a Bill in 2014 to begin investigating the toll system. The first pilot project was launched a few years later and successfully tested more than 5,000 vehicles and 37 million miles.

“Instead of paying the federal gasoline tax, which disproportionately affects those who cannot afford a more fuel-efficient car, everyone would pay a per-mile fee based on road use, regardless of what car they drive,” the program states.

Basically, the more you drive, the more you pay for maintenance.

According to Caltrans, most people would not notice a significant change if the system were to be changed. However, drivers of zero-emission vehicles would likely notice, as they currently pay very little, if any, in taxes.

In addition, well-maintained roads could lead to an overall reduction in vehicle repairs, on which California drivers spend an average of $840 annually, according to the program.

You can The Caltrans calculator to check approximately how much you would pay in road tolls.

How will the pilot work?

People drive as normal for six months, pay their monthly road tolls online and receive a credit towards petrol or electric vehicles at the end of the scheme so they are not taxed twice.

This year’s pilot will be the first time real money is transferred to the state, as previous programs only simulated payments. The agencies want to look at the risks and challenges of collecting the road toll before moving forward with the new financing option, Caltrans said.

People can express their interest by filling out a short questionnaire, which will be available until at least next month, possibly longer if more registrations are needed, Prehoda said.

Caltrans is looking for a broad range of people, so acceptance is not guaranteed.

Participants will be selected in July and will then be asked to register online and select a method for reporting their miles.

“We have three different options you can choose from,” Prehoda said. “Some are very technical, some have a location sharing aspect. You decide what you do.”

The pilot officially launches on August 1st and participants will be required to pay their road tolls each month. There will be two surveys and incentives throughout the program where participants can earn up to $400 in gift cards.

Prehoda said that all expenses should be more than covered by this money.

How to register

You can apply for the program Hereand learn more about the process Here.

All pilot participants must meet these requirements:

• California residents, at least 18 years old
• Drive a non-commercial passenger vehicle, including electric or hybrid models
• You have internet access, a valid email address, telephone number and postal address
• Valid credit or debit card
• Agree to report mileage and pay monthly road toll throughout the program duration

With completion next January, the research phase will be completed and the results will be presented to the legislature.

“We want to make sure it works for all Californians,” Prehoda said.