Texans could pay higher motor vehicle registration fees to bring in new money for roads

Updated at 3:22 p.m. with more accurate registration figures

Texas automobile owners could face higher annual motor vehicle registration fees in the coming years to raise new revenue for roads.

Texas Transportation Commission chairman Ted Houghton of El Paso was in Euless this morning, speaking to a group of about 200 transportation advocates from the Fort Worth and Dallas areas. Houghton offered a preview of issues that are likely to be discussed in the months leading up to the 2013 regular legislative session in Austin.

Houghton noted that although he is prohibited as commission chairman from advocating for (or against) specific laws that would raise transportation revenue, he will be suggesting to state lawmakers in the coming months that it's time to raise revenue for highways and other transportation projects.

He told a joint meeting of the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition and Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition that, while it's not realistic to push for an increase in the state's motor fuels tax, it is sensible to ask lawmakers for higher motor vehicle registration fees. For example, he said, an increase of $50 per car could generate as much as $14 billion for transportation projects. The precise amount would vary, depending upon how much of the money was spent outright, and how much was leveraged with other pools of money.

"We need to start talking about it with our representatives and senators, a revenue increase at this time," Houghton told the group during a meeting at Texas Star conference center in Euless. "We have bonded money. We have gone into debt. The Texas House and Senate have graciously given us the $3 billion in bond financing we need. But that's debt financing. We need revenue."

The state's gas tax of 20 cents per gallon hasn't changed in two decades, and elected state leaders have repeatedly said there is little chance of a tax increase in the coming years. Motorists pay that tax, as well as an 18.4-cent per gallon federal gas tax, everytime they visit the pumps.

For many Texans, a $50 yearly increase would represent nearly double the amount they currently pay for vehicle registration.

The amount of motor vehicle registration that Texans pay annually varies depending upon the type and age of vehicle they drive — as well as which county they live in. But generally, most cars and pickups with a gross weight of 6,000 pounds or less are charged a flat $50.75. Including state and local charges, and a mailing fee used by many owners, the final tab can be as high as $63.75 in metro areas such as Tarrant County.

Heavier vehicles pay a higher base rate of $54 to $840, plus fees.

But Houghton noted that the increase could be much smaller. It would depend upon the wishes of legislators.

New Texas Department of Transportation executive director Phil Wilson also addressed the crowd, and spoke about his efforts to modernize the agency.

Several Fort Worth-Dallas residents asked questions of the state leaders, and expressed concern that by allowing toll roads to be built in North Texas they might miss out on some of the future revenues that are dispersed statewide.

@gdickson

 

 

Comments

[Johnny Ft Worth]

Not even a good joke on the driving public!

Before any consideration can be given to such an outlandish proposal one should ask--

Where and how are the present revenues collected being spent?

How are the revenues dispersed or accounted for in the toll roads already in place?

How many 'sweetheart deals' are in place with our present/future toll roads?

And to what foreign entity?

[Terry]

"Houghton noted that although he is prohibited as commission chairman from advocating for (or against) specific laws that would raise transportation revenue, he will be suggesting to state lawmakers in the coming months that it's time to raise revenue for highways and other transportation projects." Sounds like a DEMOCRAT who doesn't care about any rules they don't like. If he is prohibited to do this WHY is he still going to do it?

[trish]

This is outrageous. Whenever the cities,counties,states, and govt. get in a bind from poor financial decisions,and waste, they squeeze the consumer, but the consumers are tapped out . This economy is not going to get any better, until the policy of big spending, and waste get addressed and corrected. It trickles down, as Reagan plan did, and that is just a fact. Quit coming to the consumer to pinch their pennies, while your executives get large spending accounts, and higher wages,bonuses,and better benefits even in tough times. Enough is Enough!

[brian]

perhaps a 10 percent wage reduction for he and his staff along with a 50 percent spending accounts for the transportation commission

[Sherry]

This is another irresponsible agency of our government, apparently. It is not reasonable to expect the consumers to bale out another agency when most can barely keep afloat in this economy. Adding another tax (which this would be) is not the answer. The middle class, which would be the hardest hit, can not support more unjustified increases!!