Note: The video has Closed Captioning. To activate it, start the video, mouse over the bottom of the video and click on the CC icon, then select from the menu.
This week we are going to examine substitute goods, highways and a bit about how we pay for highways.
Highway construction and maintenance are funded mainly by motor fuel taxes (the gasoline tax). There is a federal gasoline tax (an excise tax) which is 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel fuel. Then there are state taxes per gallon and, in some states, a sales tax as well as a gallonage tax. Since only those who have vehicles pay the motor fuel tax, it is also called a User Fee.
Which brings us to this week’s discussion topic: Toll Roads.
Assignment Summary:
Watch the video above.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of toll roads for driver? Why might an individual prefer to pay a toll than to use a free road?
Are there other ways to pay for highways other than tolls or higher motor fuel taxes? (Oregon is researching an alternative user fee system, you may wish to search for that information.)
Are there environmental aspects to the use of toll roads versus free roads?
Post your views to the discussion board and refer to at least two different concepts from this week’s Chapters. Your illustration of concepts MUST include an explanation why you think they are relevant to the week’s topic using specific information from the articles, videos and other research that you have done.
REPLY TO :
1. The dilemma about toll-free roads and the roads that make way for tolls is all about interests, whether in common or only for a part of society, the benefits of using the toll road are usually for a faster step to the destination you want to reach, most people use the highways because they are a method of shortening roads to reach the meeting point in a time ahead of the estimated. But in another environment, economically speaking, the goods collected from these tolls are destined to repair the same roads on which the vehicles travel, in case of accidents.
Some of the advantages of tolls is that the taxes collected from them are dedicated to the performance and dissolution of the same, the interest of a society and a government in the well-being of the good one of a channel for one of the means of transport essential in these times such as automobiles is very important. My opinion regarding tolls is really neutral, one way or another you have to get the money to be able to use safe transport routes and as long as it is an option to take that road, for me it is not a problem of socioeconomic conflict nor is it integral if you were depriving yourself of the right to go free on a freeway, there would be one more issue to discuss, but this country is an example, that in what is invested you see its fruits.
WC: 275
References:
Turnpikes and Tolls: What if all major roads were private?
2. In Massachusetts, we have an electronic tolls system along the Massachusetts turnpike. There are thirteen electronic tolls along the Turnpike, one on the Tobin Bridge and two tunnels. Now that the tolls are electronic, it cuts down on traffic because the drivers are not stopping to pay the tolls. Other advantages of having tolled roads are that the roads are well maintained and designed to cut down on traffic. Meanwhile, free roads are in fair conditions taking longer to receive maintenance and are poorly designed. It is less likely that damage to vehicles would occur while traveling on tolled roads as well as accidents. In addition, toll roads are more environmentally friendly because vehicles are not slowing down or idle, which waste gas that contains harmful toxins. These toxins are contributing to pollution. Also, since tolls can be costly and gas prices, drivers may be more inclined to carpool. This would cut down on pollution, save money, and cut down traffic even more. These are excellent incentives for why drivers would prefer paying a toll than traveling on free roads.
With advantages do come disadvantages. Tolls cost money, and to some drivers, it may impact them if they forget to pay a toll and late fees begin to take on the original toll fee. The EZ pass is a way to avoid getting hit with late fees because it is a flat rate paid in advance to travel through tolls. Also, where carpooling may seem like an advantage, it may be viewed as a disadvantage. A driver or passenger may have to leave early or run late because of the driver or passenger. This could cause issues on a professional or a personal level. It would seem that the advantages of toll roads outweigh the disadvantages.
Word Count: 301
References
O’Connell, J. (2016, August 26). New Open-Road Tolling Expected to Bring Faster Commutes but Bothersome Billing. [removed] https://news.northeastern.edu/2016/08/29/new-open-road-tolling-expected-to-bring-faster-commutes-but-bothersome-billing/#_ga=2.17992254.606987912.1634155608-603319905.1634155608
Rocheleau, M. (2016, October 6). How Much Will Your New Mass. Pike Toll Be? Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/10/06/how-much-will-your-new-mass-pike-toll/LRvydnj1j2XwBHSK3T4TlN/story.htm
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