State Seeks More Volunteers for Road Fee Pilot Program

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — It’s called the California Road Charge Pilot Program.

The state is seeking 5,000 volunteers this summer, to test the concept of charging drivers for road repairs, based on how many miles they drive.

Many repairs have been financed through the excise tax paid at the gas pump.

However, the 18-cents-per-gallon tax hasn’t been raised since 1994, and with the shift to more fuel efficient cars, revenues have fallen.

Participants in the upcoming experiment won’t actually pay any fees; instead, they’ll receive sample monthly statements, showing how much they would be paying, if California were to establish a mileage tax.

At this point, CalTrans wants more rural motorists, saying it needs to ensure that the pilot program accurately depicts the needs of the entire state.