How to pay for transportation? A survey of public preferences in California

This paper investigates how strongly California residents support a range of tax and fee options to fund transportation. Because politicians are reluctant to raise tax levels to cover desired levels of transportation expenditures, policy makers are searching for revenue options with strong public support. The results of two surveys provide some optimism for implementing new options, such as tolling. Respondents also reacted positively to linking fees with environmental objectives. Three tax options—gas taxes, sales taxes, and vehicle license fees—had virtually the same levels of overall support, about 40%. An analysis of demographic and other factors provides further insights into public support for the tax and fee options surveyed.