Allocating Highway Expenses into a Smartphone-Based Per Mile Framework

This research explores the public reaction to personalized highway cost allocation using smartphone-based mileage tracking, leveraging existing knowledge about fuel taxes rather than proposing new fees or taxes. With motor fuel tax revenue declining due to fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, transportation agencies seek sustainable funding models. Using the established GoCarma app within the Dallas/Fort Worth “Miles Matter” pilot, this proof-of-concept study integrates individualized smartphone travel data with corridor-specific financial expenditures. Participants receive simulated monthly invoices illustrating their personal highway usage costs relative to fuel taxes paid, resembling typical utility bills. Surveys will assess participants' reactions concerning transparency and perceived fairness of existing fuel taxes. Outcomes will provide insights into public acceptance of personalized cost reporting, contributing to policy discussions on fair infrastructure funding and transparency. This small-scale study will also lay groundwork for expanded research on broader transportation networks, inclusive of arterial and local roads, ultimately fostering improved transportation policy and funding strategies.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $194,392.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552344813

  69A3552348318

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  National Center for Infrastructure Transformation

  Prairie View A&M University
  Prairie View, TX  United States  77446
• Performing Organizations:

  Texas A&M Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System
  3135 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
• Principal Investigators:

  Wood, Nick

• Start Date: 20260201
• Expected Completion Date: 20270131
• Actual Completion Date: 20270131
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
• Source Data: 03-55-TTI

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fuel taxes; Mileage-based user fees; Smartphones; Travel behavior
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Economics; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 02001901
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: National Center for Infrastructure Transformation
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552344813, 69A3552348318
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Sep 10 2026 8:13AM