Tolling plans had the kind of reception you would expect. People didn’t want it. People worried about drivers using local streets to dodge tolls. And there were also concerns about impacts on lower-income families, despite plans to adjust tolls for them.
You can’t blame the Oregon Department of Transportation for trying to find a way to generate money. Tolling does have the merit of enabling congestion pricing, which can cut down on traffic at certain times of the day.
Also, the Legislature has not responded with a plan to fund the state’s long-term maintenance needs as the gas tax seems destined to dry up.
Whether tolling is on or off the table, expect a legislative proposal in the 2025 session for a mandate for Oregonias to switch to a pay-by-the mile system, instead of paying by the gallon.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
Many suggestions are floated to improve democracy. One idea: Require people to vote. Make voting mandatory. There might even be a penalty for not voting. Washington state is considering it. Email us your comments at letters@bendbulletin.com
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.