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LANSING, Mich. (WNEM) — Michigan is studying a “road usage charge” that would have drivers pay based on how many miles they drive, rather than through the current gas tax system.
No new per-mile charge has been approved. The state is only conducting a study.
Why the state is looking at it
Cars are getting better gas mileage, and more drivers are going electric. Less gas bought means less gas-tax money coming in to fix the roads.
Under a road usage charge, the more a person drives, the more they could pay toward the roads they are driving on.
Aaron Wesener, a Mid-Michigan resident, said the change would affect him because of the distance he drives for work and his children’s schooling.
“Ah it’s going to kill me. I put on a lot of miles. I work up in Bay City. Drive here, my kids go to school in Bay City and here. So, I put on a lot of miles every week,” Wesener said.
Robert Schrach, from Holly, Michigan, questioned whether the change would address the state’s funding issues.
“I don’t think going mileage is going to fix anything. I know E-Vs are up and coming, but they’re getting their money either way,” Schrach said.
Schrach also said he already pays enough in taxes.
“I don’t think it’s the best way to do it. I think we already pay enough taxes on our gas and everything. And our roads and infrastructure are still bad,” Schrach said.
Wesener said the current system is simpler for him.
“Basically, I pay for what I use at the gas pump. It’s just guys like me. It’s gonna kill me,” Wesener said.
Pilot program details
Starting in February, about 1,000 volunteers are expected to test the idea for six months.
Questions still being studied include how much a mile would cost, how the state would count miles driven, and how much information drivers are comfortable sharing.
Wesener said tracking mileage would be difficult.
“I have a hard time tracking my miles for an expense report let alone for the government. It’d be a real pain,” Wesener said.
Options being studied range from reporting an odometer reading to using a car’s built-in technology, a plug-in device or an app.
The pilot runs into 2027. Any actual change would need lawmakers to sign off. A final report from the pilot project is expected by the end of next year.
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