Tolling existing interstates would raise costs for travelers, businesses and consumers, while reversing the progress made through unrestricted commerce and travel on the Interstate Highway System, the Alliance for Toll-Free Interstates (ATFI) said March 12.
In a blog post that appeared on The Hill, ATFI spokesman Jay Perron said that the Interstate Highway System has revolutionized the way America does business and that tolling existing interstates would “reverse progress” while harming businesses and communities.
Perron’s statements were made in response to calls by tolling advocates urging lawmakers to ease restrictions on tolling in the next transportation funding bill.
While federal law prohibits tolls on existing interstate lanes, a federal pilot program allows three states to place tolls on existing lanes within their borders.
Since the program was created, numerous states have spent millions of dollars seeking Federal Highway Administration approval. But due to public opposition, among other reasons, not one state has implemented tolling under the program.
ATFI, of which NATSO is a founding member, is calling on Congress to repeal the pilot program.
Subscribe to Updates
NATSO provides a breadth of information created to strengthen travel plazas’ ability to meet the needs of the travelling public in an age of disruption. This includes knowledge filled blog posts, articles and publications. If you would like to receive a digest of blog post and articles directly in your inbox, please provide your name, email and the frequency of the updates you want to receive the email digest.