External link: http://www.ssti.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ODOT-FINAL_Report_Impacts_RoadUserCharges_Rural_Urban_Mixed_Counties_Jan_2013.pdf

Publication date: April 22, 2013

Capsule summary: This report compares the implications of road usage charges for members of rural, urban, and mixed counties in terms of financial and technological impacts.

Author(s): Oregon Department of Transportation

Publisher(s): Oregon Department of Transportation

Definition: Financial strategies and techniques for transportation planning
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Definitions: The movement of people
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Definitions: The movement of goods or commodities
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Definitions: Transportation by automobile
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Definition: A federally funded transportation policy-making organization, comprised of local government representatives and transportation authorities
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Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
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Definition: Administrative subdivision of a state
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Definition: Report published by a governmental body or other organization (e.g. FHWA, NAS, etc.)
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Description: In response to the perceived difference in impact of road usage charges on urban versus on rural road users, the Oregon Department of Transportation conducted a study to observe usage trends in rural, urban, and mixed counties. The study considers technological and financial factors that could obstruct implementation, as well as different travel behaviors and vehicles owned in different communities.

Objectives: The findings of this research serve to inform Oregon policy-makers of the potential outcomes of a road usage charge. The research team analyzed government data and survey results in order to observe trends in travel behavior and vehicle ownership across communities. Travel behavior was analyzed in terms of driving patterns, use of technology, and transportation priorities. Vehicles were analyzed in terms of past, present, and future purchases, focusing on fuel efficiency and frequency of replacement. These analyses were considered financial and technological contexts in order to determine the impacts on road users from various communities.

Findings: The research revealed that Oregon residents use technology consistently across locations. Annual mileage is consistent as well, given that although rural residents often drive longer distances than urban residents, they do so less frequently. Rural residents also tend to drive less fuel-efficient vehicles, but driving conditions and lack of congestion for rural areas allow fuel efficiency to be relatively consistent across locations as well. Although Oregon residents perceive road usage charges as unfair to rural users, the policy is equitable and supported by technology and travel behaviors throughout the state. Additionally, rural residents are likely to pay less given they drive fewer chargeable miles.

Recommendations: A road usage charge is a fair policy for road users in the state of Oregon, and has the potential to be implemented. If analysis in other states were to reveal equitable impacts and positive public perception across rural, urban, and mixed communities, a road usage charge could be a beneficial source of funding for other states as well.

Research Theme: Financial Strategies

Community Type: Rural

Transportation Mode: Automobile, Freight, Personal

Planning Scope: Single State, State Level

Organization Type: County, DOT, MPO or RPO

Planning Subject: Analysis, Evaluation, Evaluation and Assessment