Local Legislators Respond to Road Usage Charge Presentation

The Washington State Transportation Commission recently pitched a presentation on the Road Usage Charge (pay per mile) as opposed to a gas tax to the Transportation Committee.

"I did participate in the pilot program," said 12th District Representative Mike Steele. "You basically plug a computer chip in your car and it tracks everything you do."

Rep. Steele noted the challenge he had with the road usage charge, along with fuel taxes, because in the 12th District many folks travel far to do things.

"I drive 25 minutes just to get to Costco," said Rep. Steele. "It'll be interesting to see how the disparity aligns along the whole of the state."

12th District Representative Keith Goehner serves on the transportation committee.

"They did talk about a possibly 2.4 cents per mile," said Rep. Goehner. "It's the lower income individuals who have to travel because they can't be close to their work that really end up paying the price."