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This is an interesting idea being floated by some local officials. It is currently in the larval stage, but I can envision the day when roads are partially paid for this way, with advancements in technology. There are both economic and social ramifications, of course.
"Under a proposal still in its early stages, drivers could be required to install GPS-like odometers or other devices in their vehicles and pay from less than a penny to as much as a dime for every mile driven. The idea could take a decade or more to be launched. Commission spokesman Randy Rentschler acknowledged such a concept ultimately could prove a hard sell with Bay Area residents, who would likely resist both the travel tax and the government-mandated tracking devices. "The last thing we're interested in is where you go and what you do," Rentschler said Thursday, after the vote. "What we're trying to do is get people to figure out a way to raise revenue that they could support."
Why is it that all the so-called "Liberals" are always planning on using Big Brother/Sister in order to force their supposedly-"enlightened" ideas on the rest of us?
A GPS tracking device to record your movements.
Pay a tax for the movements recorded on the GPS device.
Go back in time, 160 years ago. Three dozen covered wagons queing up in Kansas City for a trek to San Francisco. Wagon master tells the people, 'before we leave, the politicians in Washington DC want to collect a tax for your travels. We will install a device on a wheel of every wagon that will count every revolution of the wheel. When we arrive in San Francisco, you will be required to pay a tax for the miles we traveled. But at least we won't be paying any tolls for roads or bridges because there are no roads or bridges.'
But, that does nothing to collect from those who drive hybrid or electric cars. They still use the roads and their vehicles don't cause less wear and tear than cars that use gas. How do states close this gap?
But, that does nothing to collect from those who drive hybrid or electric cars. They still use the roads and their vehicles don't cause less wear and tear than cars that use gas. How do states close this gap?
Interesting way to increase taxes on the not wealthy.???
I wonder if it is a back door way to enforce integration.???
Also liked by people who like to drive oversize vehicles who obviously hate gas taxes.
Who lives far away from work? The employees from the secretary to middle manager level. The rich live close in because they can afford $1000/sf. The poor are subsidized to live close in.
I have a problem with the privacy implications of this...however you have cell phones that are GPS devices too.
Taxes I have less of a problem with since this is a free market approach. Roads are subsidized and you pay for what you use. Its much more fair than just blanketing everyone with the same level of taxation. (Use tax)
But, that does nothing to collect from those who drive hybrid or electric cars. They still use the roads and their vehicles don't cause less wear and tear than cars that use gas. How do states close this gap?
But those drivers are contributing less to the city's air pollution problem, which was one of the other stated goals of the program. So maybe a lower tax for them is a good thing.
Raising the gas tax seems like as good idea. The downside is that you disproportionately hurt the poor. The bay area has an excellent public transit system, which a lot of people use. But that doesn't help people like, say, house maids or plumbers who have to bring their equipment with them.
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