Only 20% of road maintenance in CA is paid for by local and general taxes.[1] Probably less now that gas prices have dropped so much. So even if it dropped to

Only 20% of road maintenance in CA is paid for by local and general taxes.[1] Probably less now that gas prices have dropped so much. So even if it dropped to 0%, it would only result in a 20% shortfall that would have to be made up in the general fund. Also of interest, if you look at the numbers most car drivers (gas and otherwise) operate at a deficit. They do more damage to the road then they pay in taxes and fees to maintain it. Pubic transit users, bike commuters, and those who do not car commute in general subsidize car drivers.[2] There was a similar study done on CA alone, can't find it at the moment. Also, remember, this doesn't even take into account the cost of health externalities due to car culture. It's purely cost of maintenance of the roads themselves. At least with electric vehicles, we're subsidizing a mode of transportation that doesn't destroy air quality in urban areas and is generally less of a public nuisance. 1. http://taxfoundation.org/article/gasoline-taxes-and-tolls-pay-only-third-state-local-road-spending http://taxfoundation.org/article/gasoline-taxes-and-tolls-pa... 2. http://www.citylab.com/commute/2015/05/debunking-the-myth-that-only-drivers-pay-for-roads/393134/ http://www.citylab.com/commute/2015/05/debunking-the-myth-th...