Pay-per-mile CDOT program to be tested as a possibility to funding alternative

DENVER -- How would you like to get charged for the miles you drive instead of the gas you take from the pump? A pilot program by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is looking to test that idea. 

“Colorado’s population is expected to nearly double by 2040 to 7.8 million residents, bringing more demands for mobility and on our transportation infrastructure,” said Shailen Bhatt, CDOT Executive Director. “As the state’s transportation funding gap under the current gas tax grows, we need to explore possible funding opportunities, such as road using charging (RUC), to ensure Coloradans the mobility they need to live, work and play., Bhatt said.

Approximately 100 Colorado drivers will participate in the pilot study which will begin in late fall and end in spring 2017. The research team will share its findings later in 2017.

Department spokeswoman Amy Ford said the system charges people for what they use, just like water and other utilities.

CDOT is facing a nearly $1B annual funding gap over the next 25 years and is looking to explore transportation funding alternatives as the gas tax continues to become less reliable over time due decreased purchasing power and more fuel efficient and electric vehicles.

To learn why CDOT is exploring the RUCPP – a pay-by-mile charge, understand what RUC is (and isn’t), receive updates on the status of the pilot, compare a driver’s current gas tax paid with an estimated RUC, visitruc.codot.gov.