In that role, he finds himself bound by the state's prescription for how the debate should be conducted. Anything beyond that prescribed role is out of bounds and not up for discussion. He has learned that the government's long-term view of investment in technology restricts its ability to respond quickly to new developments. In Oregon, at least, it's been proven that the state will mandate transponders or technology if it is the only way they see to recoup their investments. From trucking's perspective, a benefit to some ITS technology is greater fuel efficiency.
Problem is, that cuts into state fuel tax revenues.
I can tell you that as technology progresses, there will be new ways to collect revenue from the trucking industry. The money will come from weight-distance taxes in individual states, and tolls, he predicted. The state trucking associations will be in the forefront of these issues, and state association executives need help, he said. I want the ability to sit at my laptop computer, tap into a library of information that I can download when I need it. And I need information that is tailor-made for my situation.