The biggest challenge facing any reauthorization of federal surface transportation legislation is the lack of an adequate funding source.

Raising the gas tax has been a non-starter. Tolling is a proven source of alternative funding, unlike some other proposed mechanisms. It's currently in use in a variety of locations across the country, and is seriously being considered for expansion by cities, states and regions, with support from elected officials across the political spectrum. Tolling has appeal because it isn’t universal – it’s a user fee, meaning those who use the road pay for it directly.

HNTB's own qualitative research with many of its transportation clients has found a strong appetite for new insights on the power of tolling. Many states without legislation to support tolling have a keen interest in advancing such initiatives. Key questions to address include:

• Are Americans ready for more toll roads?
• Are people ready to accept tolls on existing interstates and highways?
• When is tolling acceptable?
• Which arguments for tolling are most powerful?
• Open-road/all electronic tolling versus traditional cash tolling?

Consider speaking with Jack Finn, HNTB's national director of toll services.  Finn has testified before Congress, met with numerous governors and mayors and has been quoted by news organizations across the country, including ABC News, Engineering News-Record and USA Today.

Some of the latest thoughts on tolling from HNTB leaders, including Finn:

Drive-by pricing

Transportation Point: How funding is making an impact

Financial incentives: boosting toll revenues and economic performance

Vaporizing the gas tax myth

Transportation’s new payday

Making the technology leap

Jack Finn: Transportation leaders roundtable

Related news coverage:
The great 21^st century comeback (includes comments from HNTB’s Finn)
Pete Rahn shares his view of MoDOT’s future (now with HNTB)
James Oberstar stymied on transit bill
Mica: transportation bill in January
Gas tax hike: are there any reasonable alternatives?
Virginia seeks authority to toll I-95 at North Carolina border