Time to Toll I-80?

By Sven R Larson, Ph.D.

The issue of tolling I-80 is once again at the top of the news cycle, courtesy of Senator von Flatern, who

wants to add a third lane on each side that would be used by cars and passenger vehicles only. He proposes that tolls charged to Wyoming drivers would be paid through the state's federal mineral royalties.

Senator von Flatern also noted that the I-80 was closed due to inclement weather, when legislators wanted to leave Cheyenne after the session. Perhaps that is not the most effective argument in his favor, but the senator deserves credit for bringing up the toll issue. It is highly controversial, and both sides have valid arguments, yet we do need to discuss it. I have proposed a toll on I-80 for several years, but not unconditionally. Hoping to stimulate an informed debate, let me share my arguments anew.

1. Revenue should go straight to work. Remember the gasoline tax hike back in 2012? The extra dime was supposed to bring in enough revenue to keep our highways in good shape. Although Wyoming has good interstates compared to many other states, clearly the ten-cent tax increase did not provide the funds needed. It is an open question why this is so, but it is relevant to note that a toll ties revenue directly to the highway. Taxes, by contrast, can easily work as something of a slush fund.
2. Personal experience. Generally, I find that tolled highways around the country are in better shape than those that are not tolled. For example, earlier this month I went to Washington, DC for meetings, and took the I-70 out east and the Pennsylvania Turnpike/I-80 back. The latter was clearly in better shape, and it is tolled all the way to Chicago. I have had similarly good experiences with the New York Thruway, the New Jersey Turnpike and other toll roads.
3. Turn the tide on spending. We need to reform our state government in such a way that we decentralize, privatize and limit it in every which way we can. One good way to do that is to tie the money we pay for it directly to the functions that the money is supposed to fund. The closer the tie between what we pay and what we get, the easier it is for us to hold government accountable – and to present effective arguments against tax hikes. That is not to say that a toll on I-80 is some major advancement in transparency, but it would be a step in the right direction.

Having spent my birthday last year over in Germany driving well over 130mph, I would not mind tying an I-80 toll system to Autobahn-style free speed. However, we can disregard it if that helps advance the conversation…

To work properly, a toll would have to decouple the I-80 from the rest of the highway funding. It would have to be a fiscal entity of its own. Exactly how that is to be done, is a matter for a deeper study. However, if it can work in over-bureaucratized states out east, we can make it work, too.

Again, these are my thoughts. Others disagree. Let's talk about it and bring the issue forward.