New Search
11 1 1 1 <br /> ~ ~ 11 1 ~ I ~ 1 <br /> proven Transportation Demand Manage- 3. Implement acongestion-pricing <br /> ment techniques. pilot. <br /> Pricing transportation services has <br /> 2. Implement variable first time the potential of reducing congestion <br /> title fees. in heavily traveled corridors. Time-of- <br /> As fuel prices increase, consumer day charges, variable pricing and other <br /> behavior is changing. Miles traveled approaches have been used successfully <br /> are reduced, public transit ridership is in other areas to improve the flow <br /> increased, and big purchasing decisions of traffic, reduce fuel consumption, <br /> - such as vehicles and homes -are improve air quality and ensure reliable <br /> impacted. These results demonstrate freight movement. <br /> that price signals are useful in predict- <br /> ing consumer choice. The Vision Committee recommends <br /> the Oregon Transportation Commission i <br /> However, relying entirely on the price implement acongestion-pricing <br /> of gas as the "price signal" has several pilot using its existing authority. <br /> weaknesses: The Commission should seek out a <br /> • Gas prices provide an ambiguous community or a group of volunteers <br /> reward for individuals who make who are interested in participating in ~ <br /> carbon-friendly choices (although an incentive program to demonstrate <br /> people who reduce travel pay less, the potential of pricing to reduce traffic <br /> they still feel the pain of high prices). congestion. <br /> • Gas prices don't signal the differ- <br /> ences between paying for the basic In addition, the Vision Committee <br /> infrastructure (average capacity), encourages continuation and <br /> a in for the last increment of ca- enhancement of the stud erformed <br /> pY9 Yp <br /> pacity (congestion, or peak, pricing), every two years by the Office of <br /> and paying for consumption of the Economic Analysis to ensure that <br /> airshed. cars and trucks are paying their <br /> fair share for using Oregon's roads. <br /> <br /> The Vision Committee recommends that These analyses should be enlarged to <br /> the first time title fee be structured as encompass the social and economic <br /> an incentive to drivers using vehicles costs of traffic and to consider how <br /> that have a high EPA mileage rating. variable congestion pricing can be <br /> <br /> The committee proposes that drivers designed to better pay for and reduce <br /> who can prove their vehicle is rated these costs. <br /> above 30 mpg be charged a first time <br /> title fee of $50. For others, the title fee 4. Promote the use of new vehicle <br /> would remain the $100 proposed by the technologies. <br /> committee. There are several ways Oregon can <br /> promote and support the use of <br /> <br /> The Vision Committee recommends that alternative-fueled and new technology <br /> this proposal function in a revenue neu- vehicles. The State of Washington <br /> tral manner. Additionally, the committee passed a law in 2007 enabling state <br /> recognizes this policy may not provide agencies to provide electric vehicle <br /> a loud enough signal to Oregonians charging infrastructure at state expense <br /> who may be purchasing a new vehicle, to encourage use of electric vehicles. <br /> however, the committee believes this Oregon could do the same to give <br /> can serve as a "first step" in a broader visibility and a positive incentive to <br /> conversation about pricing signals. electric vehicles. Oregon could also <br /> implement a medium speed vehicle <br /> 9 <br /> <br />