They are very regressive unless there are income-based credits, which adds administrative complexity.

Rich people pay the tolls without a second thought. For the poor they are yet another obstacle to trying to make ends meet.

It’s also a direct usage tax to support road maintenance. Heavier users of the road ways end up contributing more to the maintenance of the public good.

We had a proxy for that via gasoline taxes but with EV becoming more common we need to find a replacement for that revenue.

They're a prime sign of broken economics.

The people who can least afford to move closer to their jobs are the ones who are regressively taxed in time, energy, and money the most.

A proper solution would be to require more housing NEAR the jobs to make it easier for people to save time and money by moving closer.

I agree. I don't like toll roads, but I recognize that they only charge me for using them, because my use isn't necessarily good for everybody else.

Gas taxes also work (ignoring electric vehicles), but paying a specific amount for a specific road certainly seems more direct.

Thing is, I suspect the taxing is inefficient. I would guess guessing 1% of it goes to mitigating traffic, pollution and road damage.

I think most people will just be burdened by it.

I think taxes would be a more efficient way of collecting these fees, and ensuring they go to fund mass transit in a way that traffic/pollution/road damage was mitigated directly and the people were still served.

That's only if you completely ignore all the positives. More efficient economy, more citizen capabilities, better access for emergency and maintenance equipment.

It's so clearly a net win for society and humanity to have open and available roads.

Aside from that if you want to tax me then just charge me more for a license plate. Don't stop me in the middle of driving to hustle me for a buck and some change. Utterly ridiculous management of the problem.

Meanwhile... private jets exist...

Like all "economically sound" ideas, people fuck it up. To the drivers, its one more reminder of a government taxing you on a day to day basis, locking up the roads taxes paid for, for another series of taxes.

Chicago is the poster child here. Constant rate hikes. Diverted funds meant to maintain the roads going elsewhere. "Temporary" tolls that become "permanent", etc.

It's bad, stop the madness.

Problem is, it’s not a tax. It’s a handout to private companies that take advantage of taxpayers fronting the construction cost in a lot of cases. We had one here paid for by tax payers but then leased to a company for some low dollar amount and they keep most of the money.

It’s just another form of rent seeking.

Now, gov run tolls seem like a good idea in areas where congestion needs to be managed. But also needs to be careful not to be a secret tax on the poor.

Sure, if one must drive on a road.

Meh, after housing now yet another resource only available to the rich?

I think rationing is more fair and the only way to prevent massive outrage until maybe we have reduced the wealth gap to a large degree.

But the economics of collecting them suck. A tax is a lot easier and much less "enshittifying" the daily experience.

Pervasive tolling is surveillance-of-movement in disguise.