FHWA publishes report on US traffic volumes

The Federal Highway Association (FHWA) has published a Traffic Volume Trends report, which reveals that over the past 12 months Americans have driven a record 3.07 trillion miles. According to the report, vehicle miles travelled (VMT) increased 3.9% in April, compared to April 2014. The report shows VMT has increased 36% since 1993, when the federal motor fuels excise rate was last adjusted. Fixing the ailing federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF)—the source, on average, of nearly 52% of annual highway and b
July 1, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
US roads require rapid repairs
The Federal Highway Association (FHWA) has published a Traffic Volume Trends report, which reveals that over the past 12 months Americans have driven a record 3.07 trillion miles. According to the report, vehicle miles travelled (VMT) increased 3.9% in April, compared to April 2014. The report shows VMT has increased 36% since 1993, when the federal motor fuels excise rate was last adjusted.
 
Fixing the ailing federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF)—the source, on average, of nearly 52% of annual highway and bridge capital investments made by state governments—is the first thing Congress should address, followed by passage of a long-term transportation bill that meets the increased mobility needs of the American people, according to the 920 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).
 
The association’s Getting Beyond Gridlock (GBG) proposal would put the HTF back on sound financial footing with a 15 cents/gallon increase in the federal motor fuels tax that would be coupled with a 100% offsetting federal tax rebate for middle and lower income Americans.
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