Below is background about the fee and the services it would fund. Transportation System Use Vehicles travel an average of 27 million miles per day in the metro area. Gas Tax Problem Portland s share of state gas tax revenue has been falling behind inflation. Motorists are driving more, but thanks to average fuel efficiency gains, are paying about half as much gas tax per mile driven as they did in 1972. If current trends continue, gas tax paid per mile driven may drop to just over one-third of today s rate by 2020.
System Use Our transportation system is being stressed by heavy use.
Much of our infrastructure is old, and was not designed for today s heavy trucks and busses, which accelerate deterioration and maintenance demands. Similar to a homeowner s urgency to repair a leaking roof before there is damage to the ceiling, walls, and floors, repair of our transportation infrastructure is critical. The legislature last authorized an increase in the state gas tax rate 10 years ago. Study of Portland s gas tax revenue history coupled with future projections indicates that a new strategy is needed to provide funding for the services our citizens expect and deserve. The Portland Office of Transportation studied eight different revenue options .