Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) has recommended replacing the US state’s current fuel tax with a road usage charge (RUC).
The recommendation was unanimously backed by WSTC earlier this week following a decade of statewide testing conducted with 748 volunteer drivers.
Washington reportedly has the third-highest fuel tax in the USA, with drivers said to pay 49 cents (40 pence) in tax for every gallon of fuel purchased.
However, less fuel is reportedly being bought in the state than before due to an increase in the number of electric and fusel-efficient vehicles on Washington roads.
The recommended RUC would see all vehicle owners in the state pay at least 2.5 cents (2 pence) for every mile they drive, beginning in 2027.
WSTC also recommended that drivers averaging 25 miles per gallon or higher may be able to volunteer to pay by the mile as soon as next year.
Furthermore, Washington state would waive the US$225 (£185) registration fee for electric and hybrid vehicles when drivers pay for road usage by the mile.
Supporters argue a pay-per-mile system could ultimately lead to modest cost savings to low-income drivers who don’t drive long distances.
The proposed RUC will be debated by lawmakers after the new year.
You can learn more about the key trends and challenges affecting senior decision-makers who have responsibility for tolling, intelligent transportation systems and road usage charging in America at the second annual Road User Charging Conference USA in Miami, Florida on 26-27 April 2023. Click here for more information.
