WATERBURY, Conn. — The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) is asking for volunteers to take part in a study that would test the possible use of a mileage-based user fee instead of a gas tax.
The study is researching if drivers in Connecticut should be charged a tax based on how many miles they drive.
It's definitely a hot topic across the state with a lot of mixed reactions. Some drivers said it all evens out in the end, others said working families could pay a hefty price.
"Us working-class people can’t catch a break absolutely at all for nothing," said Adrienne Young of South Windsor.
This potential tax would replace the current gas tax drivers pay at the pump.
"I drive across America I cannot have them tax me," said Young. "There’s enough inflation on everything, food, bills, lights."
The CT DOT, with the Eastern Transportation Coalition, is looking for 150 participants to take part in the study and track their miles.
The data will determine if the tax is a good idea for the state in the future as environmental concerns continue to grow.
"We’re on this shift to hybrid vehicles that are using less or hardly any gas at all," said CT DOT spokesperson, Josh Morgan.
As the state becomes greener and relies less on gas, and the tax that comes with it, Morgan said the state needs to plan ahead to fund future infrastructure needs.
"This isn’t something that’s going to be implemented tomorrow or five years from now, it’s really just trying to study and get ahead of the curve," said Morgan.
Although the future is unclear, some drivers said the cost to sit behind the wheel will stay the same.
"The people who are driving more are also consuming more gas so I think it’s kind of a wash," said Steven Freeman from South Windsor. "If you’re putting more miles on you're buying more gas, you’re going to pay more taxes."
For frequent travelers, the potential tax is already causing panic.
"For those that work out of town and have no choice but to work out of town, the taxes will just be ridiculous," said Young.
If you're interested in participating in the study, click here.
Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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