The bipartisan Commission's 12 members representing federal/state/local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, transportation-related industries, and associations has been tasked to examine not only the current condition and future needs of the nation's surface transportation system, but also to consider short and long-term alternatives to replace or supplement fuel tax as the principal revenue source for highway improvements.
At the heart of the Commission's recommendations is a plan to replace more than 100 current programs with 10 outcome-based initiatives with oversight from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The Commission also recommends an array of new revenue sources, including:
- An increase in the federal gas tax by 5-8 cents per gallon per year for a five-year period (25-40 cents total);
- A vehicle miles traveled fee;
- New tolls;
- Peak-hour "congestion pricing" on federal-aid highways in major metropolitan areas;
- A new freight fee for freight projects; and
- Ticket taxes for passenger rail improvements.
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