The New Approach
The new mileage-based road user charge system offers the following advantages:
- Rates can be set for different types of vehicles
- The system will provide a steady source of funds for maintenance of roads and bridges
- The system can be used to help reduce problems like traffic congestion
- The system features a low-cost and familiar approach to fee collection
The Study
The University of Iowa Public Policy Center is conducting a federally funded study
to see how the public responds to the new mileage-based road user charge system.
We are looking for participants for this study to develop and test the best possible
system for vehicle drivers. The study is very important, as this system could one
day replace the gas system.
Participants in the study will have the on-board computer temporarily installed
in their vehicles. This installation will not in any way damage the vehicle.
The computer will store a record of charges due from road use. This record will
be uploaded to a data processing center. If the system were to be put into practice,
the center would then bill the vehicle owner. For the study, however, no money will
be collected.
Click below to watch a video that outlines the installation procedure.
Study Goals
The study has two primary goals:
- To make sure that the system is reliable, secure, flexible, user-friendly and cost-effective
- To find out why vehicle operators accept or reject the system, what they like and
what they don’t