The MVET, which is essentially a property tax, is annually assessed as a percentage of a vehicle's value. The value is assigned through the application of a state formula that takes into account new value and vehicle age. Low income people tend to own older vehicles and fewer vehicles, and therefore would pay less taxes to support the RTA than high income people had the MVET been the major funding source instead of the sales tax. It would have served as a disincentive to congestion, had it been the major funding source. Regional voter surveys consistently indicate support for transportation taxes such as the gas tax and MVET over other taxes to fund transit.
People do make the connection between excess vehicle use and the cost of operating a vehicle.
Even business leaders in a Seattle Chamber of Commerce survey of members strongly expressed support for a gas tax or MVET over a sales tax. The RTA appears to have violated its own enabling legislation which requires it to consider equity in designing its plan. This concern was raised by a citizen group that advocates for a fair tax system before the RTA made its decision. They received no response. A copy of the letter from People for Fair Taxes to the RTA is provided.