Traffic-calming road redesigns, vehicle-miles-traveled-based pricing and partnerships with technology companies are all part of the new era of transportation. Agencies and state transportation departments are trying to maximize existing infrastructure capacity and mobility, with less emphasis on expanding roads.
Several states are following Oregon’s lead in experimenting with miles-based user fees. In Colorado, 100 participants in a four-month pilot study agreed to odometer readings, GPS tracking or mileage reporting devices, said Deb Perkins-Smith, director of transportation development for the Colorado Dept. of Transportation. While only 29% had positive perceptions at first, 81% felt it was fair in an exit survey, she told attendees at the annual Women’s Transportation Seminar, held last month in San Diego.