Comment 83999

By arienc (registered) | Posted December 16, 2012 at 10:06:45 in reply to Comment 83995

The idea that gas tax pays for road usage is a myth. According to the latest Transport Canada data, the three levels of government collected in total $15.5 billion in taxes and user fees from road users. However, during the same period, they spent $28.9 billion to maintain and build roads. (See table G5 p. A66)

The reality is that over $13 billion, or a large percentage of our annual fiscal deficit, is a direct consequence of over-subsidizing driving in this country. Charging road users for their usage isn't "double dipping" at all, it is merely bringing about the kind of fiscal discipline that is absolutely necessary to avoid leaving future generations in a massive hole.

The video Ryan linked to cites incentives as having an impact on behavior. It is precisely these incentives that have led to roads becoming over-congested.

Comment edited by arienc on 2012-12-16 10:11:41

Permalink | Context

Events Calendar

There are no upcoming events right now.
Why not post one?

Recent Articles

Article Archives

Blog Archives

Site Tools

Feeds