As the number of people using roads and highways steadily
increases, cars have also become more fuel-efficient, thus reducing
the amount of gas purchased per person. This is good news for
consumers; however, transportation spending is largely funded from
gasoline taxes, and those receipts are decreasing. The
recent Reason-Rupe
poll asked Americans how they would prefer to fund transit
going forward.

Gas Tax

Policymakers have considered increasing the federal gas tax,
currently 18.4 cents per gallon in efforts to close the
spending-funding gap. Yet 77 percent of Americans oppose raising
the federal gas tax. Part of the aversion may be a concern that the
government will not spend the tax dollars effectively—65 percent of
Americans think the government generally spends transportation
funding ineffectively.

Toll Roads and Toll Lanes

Rather than tax increases, the poll found that 58 percent prefer
paying for new roads and highways by paying tolls when they drive
on the roads. Interestingly, another 58 percent of Americans also
report there are not toll roads in their area, but 59 percent say
they would pay to use a toll lane if governments constructed them
and if these lanes would save them time in traffic. This indicates
governments are failing to meet demand for toll roads while
focusing efforts on other ways to raise revenue and reduce
congestion. These findings suggest that policymakers’ attention may
need to shift to meet demand for toll roads.

Public-Private Partnerships

Governments are also considering partnering with private
companies to build and expand highways, airports, and other
infrastructure projects that they might not be able to afford
without the efficiency and expertise of the private sector. Thus in
addition to raising revenues, governments are also seeking
opportunities to reduce costs for roads. However, some are uneasy
with private companies building and operating transportation, as
they believe this is a role for government. Nevertheless, 55
percent of Americans favor private-public partnerships while 35
percent oppose.

Opening HOV Lanes

Another opportunity to raise revenue and potentially reduce
congestion is to open high occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV),
previously reserved for carpools, to single drivers who pay a toll.
Some point out that this not only can raise revenue, but also offer
drivers a faster trip when they need it. However, others point out
that lower-income families would be less able or willing to pay the
tolls, making this policy unfair. The Reason-Rupe poll found that
57 percent favor opening HOV lanes to toll-paying drivers and 35
percent oppose.

Adjustable Toll Lanes

Another plan governments are considering is to charge adjustable
tolls on new toll roads and lanes. Instead of charging the same
fee, the tolls would be higher during rush hours and lower when
traffic is light. However, 50 percent of Americans oppose this
proposal and 39 percent favor it.

Policy Proposals to Reduce Transportation’s Spending-Funding
Gap

Find full Reason-Rupe Q4 2011 poll results, question wording,
and methodology here.

The Reason-Rupe
Q4 2011 poll collected a nationally representative sample
of 1,200 respondents, aged 18 and older from all 50 states and the
District of Columbia using live telephone interviews from December
1-13. Interviews were conducted on both landline and mobile phones.
The margin of sampling error for this poll is +/- 3 percent.

Follow Emily Ekins on Twitter @emilyekins