Registration hikes eyed
by Jay Fitzgerald
DNN Reports!
Thursday, Feb 19, 2009
Owners of SUVs and other gas-guzzling vehicles could pay higher registration fees under a transportation plan being floated by the Patrick administration.
Gov. Deval Patrick said tomorrow he will unveil a comprehensive transportation overhaul that will either include a higher gas tax or toll hikes on the Mass. Turnpike and tunnels - but not both.
Speaking at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce breakfast yesterday, the governor also signaled, and sources confirmed, that his administration will slap motorists who drive SUVs, pickup trucks and other fuel-hogging vehicles with higher registration fees.
Currently, new registration for a passenger car costs $36 - with a biennial renewal fee of $41. Prices for vanity, reserved and other specialty plates can run as high as $81. No dollar figures were available yesterday on Patrick’s proposed fee adjustments.
The Patrick administration’s goal is to force those driving heavier, less fuel-efficient cars to pay more for the wear-and-tear on roadways and the extra pollution spewed by their cars.
The fee increase idea comes as the governor scrambles to find ways to raise funds for a state transportation system now burdened by billions of dollars in debts and projects that can’t be funded.
Patrick said yesterday there’s no easy option. He must either raise the gas tax or tolls. A bond obligation for the Big Dig is all but forcing the state’s hand, Patrick said.
“It’s not exactly like this is a happy choice,” said Patrick, who asked at the chamber breakfast what option audience members would prefer - a gas tax hike or a toll increase.
The overwhelming majority raised their hands for a gas tax hike.
While the administration searches for new funding sources, it’s also looking at implementing in future years a pilot “Vehicle Mileage Travel” tax that would charge motorists a fee based on how much they drive.
The American Civil Liberties Union and others have expressed reservations about that idea if it involves installing transponder chips in cars that can track where motorists have driven.
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