Skip to main content

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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Solutions to road user charging
    April 11, 2012
    In this second of a two-part article, Jack Opiola, demonstrates that the imposition of a government provided GPS mandate to levy mileage tax could be eliminated by offering motorists transparent choices regarding their manner of compliance. The key to a mileage tax system without a GPS mandate is through offering motorists choices. Most motorists are consumers who are comfortable with selecting products and services from among options available in the marketplace. A mileage tax can be built upon this reali
  • Solutions to road user charging
    February 28, 2012
    In this second of a two-part article, Jack Opiola, demonstrates that the imposition of a government provided GPS mandate to levy mileage tax could be eliminated by offering motorists transparent choices regarding their manner of compliance. The key to a mileage tax system without a GPS mandate is through offering motorists choices. Most motorists are consumers who are comfortable with selecting products and services from among options available in the marketplace. A mileage tax can be built upon this realit
  • US congestion issue unveiled by FHWA
    June 15, 2017
    The latest data from the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reveals that traffic congestion is worsening.
  • US highway bill finally receives approval by government
    September 27, 2012
    After a long series of delays, the US Government has finally managed to agree the latest highway reauthorisation bill. This comes after numerous short term extensions of the previous bill, due to political stalemate. The short term extensions were not sufficient to allow firms to invest and this situation stunted construction activity in the country. With the bill now in place, contractors will be able to look forward to some transport spending, and will likely increase spending on replacing old constructio