Dr. Eric Fruits of the Cascade Policy Institute says it’s not too late to stop this ‘tolling disaster,’ which will have a direct impact on Washington commuters
Dr. Eric Fruits, Ph.D
Cascade Policy Center
If the Oregon Department of Transportation has its way, Portland-area freeways won’t be free for much longer. Tolling is coming to Oregon, and it’s coming in about two years.
ODOT’s current plan is to toll all lanes of I-5 and I-205 from just south of Wilsonville to all the way across the Columbia River. If you’re catching a flight at PDX, shopping at Bridgeport Village, or just trying to get to work, tolling is going to drain your bank account.
At a hearing last week, a legislator noted that by serving in the legislature, she would rack up $2,000 a year in tolls. TriMet complains it doesn’t have enough buses to handle all the people it expects will be forced onto public transit. The Metro Council President worries about Interstate traffic being diverted into residential neighborhoods. ODOT estimates more than a quarter of drivers won’t be able to afford the tolls and will need subsidies. Everyone hates tolling, but our politicians are blinded by the dollar signs from tolling revenues. We’re heading for a political pile-up.
It’s not too late to stop this tolling disaster. Tolls only make sense when the money is used to expand road capacity. ODOT’s current plans fail this basic test. When the legislature meets in February, one of its top priorities must be to pass a bill that stops ODOT’s misguided tolling plans.
Eric Fruits, Ph.D. is Vice President of Research at Cascade Policy Institute, Oregon’s free market public policy research organization.
Also read:
- Vancouver Public Schools to run Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on February ballot
Vancouver Public Schools Board approves a Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy for the February 2025 ballot to support long-term needs. - Bridge, trail reopen at Moulton Falls Regional Park
Moulton Falls Regional Park reopens its iconic wood bridge and trail after restoration work to ensure structural integrity and weather protection. - Take steps to save money and prevent food waste this holiday seasonClark County shares tips to save money and prevent food waste this holiday season, from smart shopping to creative leftovers.
- Mortenson presents Clark College with ceremonial key to Advanced Manufacturing CenterClark College celebrates the completion of its Ridgefield campus’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, boosting local workforce development and education opportunities.
- City of Battle Ground seeks community input on NW 5th Street Extension ProjectThe City of Battle Ground seeks public feedback on the NW 5th Street Extension Project to ease Main Street congestion.
- CCSO arrests two people suspected in more than 10 area bank robberiesCCSO arrests two suspects connected to over 10 bank robberies across Washington and Oregon.
- CCSO seeks public’s help in identifying armed robbery suspectCCSO seeks help identifying a suspect in a November 6 armed robbery in Salmon Creek.
wpDiscuz
