Rep. Farley-Bouvier Sponsors 'Pay As You Drive' Bill

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier has sponsored legislation that would replace the gas tax with a tax on mileage driven.

The bill (H3142) would first establish a pilot program of at least 1,000 volunteers from across the state driving an array of vehicles equipped with transponders to measure the number of miles traveled. The goal is to eventually create a program that will measure times of day, areas and mileage, and implement a tax structure with varied prices for the types of usage.

"The idea is that it would be an alternative to the gas tax. People think of the gas tax as a user fee and this vehicle-miles traveled program would be a smarter user fee," Farley-Bouvier said on Monday at a transportation forum at Berkshire Community College. "The key to this is to raise revenue in a fair way ... the gas tax is something we can't continue to rely on."

The 3rd District representative has been advocating more equity in transportation spending and revenues, frequently pointing out that the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority's budget leaves little money available for public transportation in more rural regions.

That would factor into the proposed mileage tax. Farley-Bouvier said the Berkshires would have a lower rate because the county does not have access to public transportation.

For instance, a person who drives in Boston during rush hour when he or she could have been taking public transit would be taxed much more than a driver in the Berkshires. From times of day to type of vehicle to location to fuel efficiency and car-pool participation, the program would create a menu of different rates.

For example, those who drive at night, putting less strain on the road, would have a lower rate while large commercial trucks would have to pay more because of the wear and tear they cause to highways.

According to Elizabeth "Lizzie" Weyant, advocacy director for Transportation for Massachusetts, all of the dollars generated would go explicitly for transportation improvements.

"The gas tax is diminishing," Weyant said. "This idea would be a supplement to the gas tax revenue."

Several former U.S. transportation secretaries have endorsed the idea and the concept is gaining ground in Europe. A recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office said "such fees can lead to more equitable and efficient use of roadways," but that implementing the program on the nation's 230 million vehicles "is likely to greatly exceed the costs of collecting fuel taxes." However, the report recommends further research on the issue, particularly for trucking.

VMT proposals have sparked concerns over privacy — a global positioning device would be used to track mileage — and over putting less focus on fuel efficiency.

Farley-Bouvier said the bill is difficult to explain because the pilot program is designed to analyze multiple unanswered questions.

It's not known how the tax would collected — whether at the gas pump or during the yearly inspection — nor what the fee structure would be. Additionally, attaching the transponders to vehicles is another unanswered question.

"We need to find out what we collect and how equitable it can be," Farley-Bouvier said, calling the idea "progressive and forward thinking."

The "No. 1 concern" Farley-Bouvier has heard is residents are "afraid of big brother." But she defends that by saying if the pilot program moved forward to law, there would be language limiting how the transponders could be used.

"Everyone already has this kind of information in their cell phone," she said. "But we'll have to place provisions in the law that will limit what they can be used for."

The bill establishing the pilot program had just been introduced, sponsored by Farley-Bouvier and Medford Rep. Carl Sciortino, and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Transportation.

For more on the VMT, Streetsblog.org has an article on the GAO report and state efforts.

Bill H3142

Guest Column: An Honor to Serve

By Smitty PignatelliGuest Column
01:21PM / Friday, December 20, 2024

As I reflect on the past 22 years serving as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, I do so with immense pride and gratitude. Together with my colleagues, I have had the privilege of contributing to landmark legislation that has defined our commonwealth, from marriage equality to health care for all — both of which became national models. 

 

I've worked on major environmental, economic development, and housing bond bills that continue to benefit the Berkshires and will for years to come.

 

Of course, none of this was accomplished single-handedly. The legislative process is a team effort, and I have been fortunate to serve alongside dedicated colleagues who have always put the interests of Massachusetts first. When I first entered the House, I thought I knew a lot, having spent years in local and county government. But I quickly realized I had much more to learn. I was lucky to have the guidance and support of Reps. Peter Larkin, Dan Bosley and the entire Berkshire delegation, who took me under their wing and set me on the right path. I was proud to team up with them 20 years ago to create the first in the nation Cultural Facilities Fund that has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars to our local economy. 

 

Throughout my tenure, we've faced the ups and downs of local, state, and global economies. Yet I've always believed that when we work together, no challenge is insurmountable. The 22 communities I have represented over the years have demonstrated time and again the power of collaboration to make the Berkshires — and what I like to call "BesternMass" — a thriving, vibrant region.

 

The State House is steeped in tradition, with its formal titles and protocols: "Representative this" or "Chairperson that." But I've always reminded my team that while my job may be important, I never felt important. I entered the House as Smitty, and I'm proud to leave it the same way — simply Smitty.

 

Growing up, politics in my household was never a dirty word, and politicians were not seen as bad people. Those early lessons grounded me in the belief that public service is about representing the needs of others, not yourself. I've carried that belief with me every day in the House, never forgetting where I came from or the people I was there to serve. Representing the 4th (now 3rd) Berkshire District — my home — has been the greatest honor of my life. I wasn't always successful, but I gave my best every single day. After nearly 50 years in public service, I retire as a public servant, not a politician.

 

One of my greatest concerns is that public office today risks becoming more about "self-service" than "public service." We need people at all levels to stay engaged, hold public officials accountable, and demand better. I've always set a high bar for myself and those around me. I've never been afraid to admit failure or celebrate shared success, and I've tried each day to lead with the same passion, vision, and integrity my family instilled in me.