Would you rather pay state gas tax or per-mile charge for using roads?

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Washington drivers could soon pay an alternative to the state’s gas tax. The Washington State Transportation Commission is launching a pilot program to test out a pay-per-mile system.

With more hybrid, electric, and fuel-efficient vehicles on the road, the commission says the “gas tax revenues will erode resulting in less funding for maintaining and operating our roadway system.” According to the state, the proposal could ensure that every driver on the roads pays their fair share.



As part of the pilot program, 2,000 volunteers across the state will test out the system. The state will track their miles in several different ways including odometer readings and a smart phone app. Another option will be charging drivers a flat fee. The drivers would report to state the positive and negative impacts of the road usage fee.

The pilot project is expected to be launched in the fall of 2017.