Dr. Eric Fruits of the Cascade Policy Institute says it’s not too late to stop this ‘tolling disaster,’ which will have a direct impact on Washington commuters
Dr. Eric Fruits, Ph.D
Cascade Policy Center
If the Oregon Department of Transportation has its way, Portland-area freeways won’t be free for much longer. Tolling is coming to Oregon, and it’s coming in about two years.
ODOT’s current plan is to toll all lanes of I-5 and I-205 from just south of Wilsonville to all the way across the Columbia River. If you’re catching a flight at PDX, shopping at Bridgeport Village, or just trying to get to work, tolling is going to drain your bank account.
At a hearing last week, a legislator noted that by serving in the legislature, she would rack up $2,000 a year in tolls. TriMet complains it doesn’t have enough buses to handle all the people it expects will be forced onto public transit. The Metro Council President worries about Interstate traffic being diverted into residential neighborhoods. ODOT estimates more than a quarter of drivers won’t be able to afford the tolls and will need subsidies. Everyone hates tolling, but our politicians are blinded by the dollar signs from tolling revenues. We’re heading for a political pile-up.
It’s not too late to stop this tolling disaster. Tolls only make sense when the money is used to expand road capacity. ODOT’s current plans fail this basic test. When the legislature meets in February, one of its top priorities must be to pass a bill that stops ODOT’s misguided tolling plans.
Eric Fruits, Ph.D. is Vice President of Research at Cascade Policy Institute, Oregon’s free market public policy research organization.
Also read:
- VIDEO: Income tax bill passes WA Senate after hours of heated debate
Senate Bill 6346, imposing a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million, passed the Washington Senate after hours of debate and multiple rejected amendments. - Letter: After ignoring the students, Ridgefield School District outed them
Rob Anderson and a concerned Ridgefield parent allege Ridgefield School District repeatedly failed to redact student names in public records releases tied to a cheer coach investigation. - ‘Absolutely good news’: WA financial outlook brightens as budget talks heat up
A new forecast projects $827 million more in revenue for Washington’s current budget, offering relief as lawmakers finalize a supplemental spending plan. - Opinion: Democrats signal retreat on the death tax as exodus fears mount
Mark Harmsworth argues recent moves on estate and other tax policies reflect mounting concerns about high earners and businesses leaving Washington state. - Vancouver middle school student joins Rep. John Ley in Olympia as a House page
Jackson Bumala, a 14-year-old middle school student from Vancouver, served as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives with sponsorship from Rep. John Ley. - Pro-business, bipartisan legislation from Rep. Stephanie McClintock receives House approval
The Washington State House passed House Bill 2207, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, to update alcohol warehousing statutes and allow licensed warehouses to store and handle beer under the same framework as wine and spirits. - Legislation from Rep. John Ley to support construction and infrastructure projects in Washington is passed by the House
The Washington State House passed House Bill 2605, sponsored by Rep. John Ley, updating regulations on naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials used in construction.
wpDiscuz
