01095577

Component

Distance-based highway pricing scheme has recently been considered as a potential means of tackling highway revenue shortfall problem, which occurred under the current structure of fuel-tax-based funding scheme. In determining optimal fee rates of distance-based pricing scheme, the present study applies the concept of self-financing highway system. Self-financing highway system is advocated by the fact that each unit of highway usage is associated with a different level of highway cost depending on its vehicle class, road functional class, geographical location, and so forth. The present paper aims to find the optimal fee rates that reflect cost responsibility of each highway user, using Highway Cost Allocation Study (HCAS) tool. HCAS is a methodological framework that analyzes expenditures, revenues, and usages that are associated with a highway system in order to obtain cost responsibility of various user groups. State HCAS Tool, a spreadsheet-based analytic tool developed by FHWA, applies the framework for state highway systems. By updating inputs and state-specific parameters, the present study conducts HCAS for the highway system in Indiana. Cost allocation process, however, entails several assumptions on critical parameters such as load equivalency factors, non-load-related impacts on pavement, minimum requirements for construction and rehabilitation, etc. In this regard, the study uses a generally acceptable range for each input parameter and performs sensitivity analysis. The results of sensitivity analysis provide ranges of cost responsibility, and therefore, unit fee rates of a distance-based pricing scheme for each vehicle class and road functional class combination.

01084478

08-2256

English

22p

2008

Transportation Research Board 87th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures (3) ; References (11) ; Tables (8)

Cost allocation; Distance based fares; Finance; Financing; Revenues; Road pricing

Highway Cost Allocation Study

Shortfalls

Finance; Highways; I10: Economics and Administration

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2008 Paper #08-2256

TRIS, TRB

Jan 29 2008 4:36PM