Revenue from tolls on I-80 would be applied to transportation needs like SEPTA and other mass transit agencies along with highway and bridge repairs.
The I-80 tolls and SEPTA funding issue is an example of why transportation funding is so controversial. I-80 toll opponents who drive the highway and count on motorists and trucks on the highway for their livelihoods don't believe they should be shouldering the burden of funding SEPTA and other projects around the state.
There are no easy answers to transportation funding in Pennsylvania. Lawmakers will tell anyone who will listen that there are only a few options to raise the billions of dollars in revenue required. They include raising general taxes, an increase in gas taxes, a proposal to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a private company, or user fees like tolls. All have opposition and few have wholehearted support.
Even the I-80 tolling plan isn't easy. The Federal Highway Administration would have to approve any plan to put tolls on an interstate highway and the FWHA rejected the proposal last year. A new application for tolls is being submitted.
Under legislation known as Act 44, tolls on I-80 and higher tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike would produce $922 million for transportation projects and go up each year. Without tolls on I-80, the funding falls to $450 million -- far below what's projected for the state's needs.
While the debate continues, almost 40% of Pennsylvania bridges are deemed structurally deficient or obsolete and older roads and highways are in dis- repair while traffic is growing.
How does Pennsylvania pay for its transportation needs? What are your suggestions? Comment below and listen to Radio Smart Talk Wednesday.
Guests:
Tracy C. Miller, Professor of Economics, Grove City College
Barry Schoch, Tolling Conversion Project Manager, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Rep. Joseph Markoseck (D-Allegheny) Chairman, House Transportation Committee
Rep. Rick Geist (R-Blair) Minority Chair House Transportation
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