Road Charge Projects

Communications Research

Listening to Californians is a critical component in developing and potentially implementing a successful road charge program that works for California.

Throughout the history of Road Charge research in California, helping the public understand where the current funding comes from for the transportation system and why something different is needed for the future has been the goal. Explaining the declining revenues from the gas tax is an effective starting point to engage Californians about alternative ideas to replace the revenue.

Awareness and Perceptions of a Road Charge System Among Low-Income Individuals in California

The findings from the California 2017 Road Charge Pilot recommended further research on the impacts of a road charge on disadvantaged communities. Caltrans contracted with the Foundation for California Community Colleges to research potential impacts of a road charge program on low-income individuals, specifically to measure awareness of transportation funding in California, gauge perceptions of and reaction to a potential road charge, and identify privacy concerns related to how information may be gathered as part of a road charge implementation. The Importance of Assessing Potential Impacts of Road Charge on Disadvantaged and Low-Income Communities in California (caroadcharge.com)

Public Opinion Research from Road Charge Pilots

As a separate research effort from the Road Charge Pilots, surveys of California’s diverse population were made to understand what the public thinks about the road charge concept and to gain insight into their key priorities and concerns for transportation funding. Below are the reports of these public opinion polls and focus groups.

California’s Four Phase Demonstration 2021 Public Research

California’s Public/Private Roads Project 2023 Public Research

Have feedback you would like to share? Contact Us | California Road Charge