Indiana has become the latest state to implement a truck-only toll – hiking fees 35% for vehicles with three or more axles.
Rhode Island is another prominent example of a state with truck tolls, and those have been seen as a success. The number of trucks going through the tolls is higher than expected, and the number of trucks avoiding them with alternate paths is lower than expected.
The Indiana Example
We’ll give Indiana credit for one thing: They’re trying to build up their infrastructure. The goal of these truck tolls is to pump $1 billion over three years into infrastructure projects around the state.
As most of America knows by now, infrastructure is a big deal. Bridges and other structures are becoming more dangerous by the year, and in the worst cases, decaying infrastructure is a public health hazard.
Newer roads can save lives, save fuel, and save money.
But the way that Republican Governor Eric Holcomb is going about infrastructure investment is all wrong.
Why ClassADrivers is Against Truck-Only Tolls
Most of the good that go into or pass through Indiana travel by truck. The truck only tolls aren’t just paid by the trucking companies. They’re paid by the consumer.
Truck-only tolls hit consumers the hardest. The higher cost to transport goods is passed down to consumer. And this type of tax is regressive, as groceries and other common goods become too expensive for people who rely on them.
Truck tolls are especially egregious and harmful when combined with additional fuel taxes. While the cause of infrastructure is noble, this policy hurts consumers and businesses.
Other Opponents
Notably the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association called the policy “burdensome and discriminatory” because it specifically targets trucking. And Indiana already has the fifth-highest fuel tax rate on diesel in America.
Democratic Representative Patrick Bauer (South Bend) told the IndyStar, that “taxing one industry that uses the toll road in northern Indiana in order to support the various needs of other parts of the state is ridiculous.”
How Does This Affect You?
ClassADrivers wants to know how this affects you. Comment in our forums.
How should tolls be handled? How should money from infrastructure be raised? Is it even important?
Let us know.