New Jersey’s Department of Transportation is participating in a pilot study exploring a potential future transportation funding solution for the roads, bridges and public transit in New Jersey. The pilot study will examine whether mileage-based user fees (MBUF) offer a feasible alternative to the fuel tax, which is seeing declining revenues as more drivers shift to more efficient and electric vehicles.
The pilot study is taking place through a partnership of the New Jersey Department of Transportation and The Eastern Transportation Coalition. NJDOT is neutral about whether MBUF is the ultimate answer, but recognizes the importance of further studying MBUF in real-world pilots as a means to finding a realistic and effective solution to our long-term funding challenge.
NJDOT is seeking participants from the transportation community to help test drive new technology needed for a MBUF system and offer their insights. While the pilot study is currently underway, there is still time to enroll in the program.
Enrollment is easy and only requires a couple of steps to begin:
Step One: Gather the following information:
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – Need help finding your VIN? Click here for possible locations.
- Current odometer reading
- License plate number
Step Two: Visit the Coalition’s MBUF website to begin enrollment.
Within a week of enrollment, you’ll receive a device that turns your car into a “smart car.” Just plug it in, drive for four months, and provide feedback via quick online surveys.
The Eastern Transportation Coalition has already conducted pilot studies for trucks and passenger vehicles. Findings from these pilot studies and other technical memoranda addressing such topics as administration and compliance, privacy, interoperability, equity and fairness can be found here.
For more information please download the attached flyer, visit the project website or contact mbuf@tetcoalition.org.
The Eastern Transportation Coalition, formerly known as the I-95 Corridor Coalition, is a partnership of 17 states and the District of Columbia focused on connecting for solutions to support the economic engine of the U.S. The Coalition represents 40% of the U.S. population and GDP.
The Coalition is neutral regarding MBUF as the ultimate solution for transportation funding but wants to ensure that the voices of citizens along the Eastern Seaboard are part of the national discussion. Results from studies across the country will help policymakers decide on next steps.