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I can't find the article. But it had a great solution. In California, we have a system for paying tolls automatically. Called FasTrak, you install a device in y

I can't find the article. But it had a great solution. In California, we have a system for paying tolls automatically. Called FasTrak, you install a device in your car and when you pass a toll booth it deducts the amount required. Super easy. The idea was that we should implement a micro toll system for all freeways. During peak hours the charge is maybe $2, during off-peak there's still a charge but it's maybe $0.50. Even major streets would have small tolls of 5-10 cents. This helps in two ways. Many people are weirdly resistant to paying even small fees to things (see $0.10 bag tax). and would maybe just stay home. This hopefully would encourage people to ride public transportation, which is now funded by the tolls.

yo-code-sucks 10y ago
FasTrak is a flaming pile of shit. Washington state hasn't implemented the same program but it's merely a sticker, whereas California's is a big ass puck on your windshield that you have to open/close or set a switch depending on passengers. It's a major fucking distraction and is somewhat illegally using your windshield space.
Tharkun 10y ago
Yeah, it's a great solution if you don't value your privacy. /s
- analogmemory 10y ago
  I mean "big brother" is already watching everyone via "freeway traffic cameras" Public transportation is what I'm pushing for.
yellowapple 10y ago
California has a lot of rural areas that lack even AmTrak or Greyhound service, let alone full-blown public transportation networks. Applying this to all highways would put an undue burden on those living in such areas (including a significant chunk of California's immigrant population) without actually doing much good congestion-wise (since these rural stretches of I-5 and such aren't usually congested to nearly the same degree as, say, LA or San Francisco or Sacramento). This might work in cities, though, but if the alternative (public transit) is not even slightly cheaper than paying the toll, folks are probably just going to pay the toll (especially with a system like FasTrack, where they just drive through a sensor rather than having to pay physical money).
bdcravens 10y ago
Wouldn't this be a regressive tax?
ac29 10y ago
In the LA area, this would have the effect of putting a lot more traffic onto surface streets, I think. Seems to me it would be a better idea to increase fuel taxes.

yo-code-sucks 10y ago

FasTrak is a flaming pile of shit. Washington state hasn't implemented the same program but it's merely a sticker, whereas California's is a big ass puck on your windshield that you have to open/close or set a switch depending on passengers. It's a major fucking distraction and is somewhat illegally using your windshield space.

Tharkun 10y ago

Yeah, it's a great solution if you don't value your privacy. /s

analogmemory 10y ago
I mean "big brother" is already watching everyone via "freeway traffic cameras" Public transportation is what I'm pushing for.

yellowapple 10y ago

California has a lot of rural areas that lack even AmTrak or Greyhound service, let alone full-blown public transportation networks. Applying this to all highways would put an undue burden on those living in such areas (including a significant chunk of California's immigrant population) without actually doing much good congestion-wise (since these rural stretches of I-5 and such aren't usually congested to nearly the same degree as, say, LA or San Francisco or Sacramento). This might work in cities, though, but if the alternative (public transit) is not even slightly cheaper than paying the toll, folks are probably just going to pay the toll (especially with a system like FasTrack, where they just drive through a sensor rather than having to pay physical money).

bdcravens 10y ago

Wouldn't this be a regressive tax?

ac29 10y ago

In the LA area, this would have the effect of putting a lot more traffic onto surface streets, I think. Seems to me it would be a better idea to increase fuel taxes.