by Sandi Soendker Jan. 1, 1996 - 15 percent; Jan. 1, 1997 - 20 percent; Jan. 1, 1998 - 10 percent.
As a result, the state and federal government did not have
to expend additional funds to build a parallel interstate
facility. The Ohio Turnpike received no additional compensation. The state includes our mileage in the National Highway System
and receives a soft match credit for federal matching funds
based on each construction dollar we spend. Although the commission
does not receive any compensation back from the state, the
policy helps to keep the fuel taxes down. In addition, the state was allocated approximately $150,000
from the feds over 1997, 1998, for the construction of the
turnpike. Even then, the state did not pay for the construction
of the turnpike. As you can see, the turnpike has generated substantial funding
for the state of Ohio. The commission does receive five cents
per dollar of the fuel tax for fuel sold at our service plazas.
In an effort to lessen the toll increase impact on the trucking
industry and to help prevent trucks leaving the turnpike onto
crowded parallel facilities where money is designated for
state routes over the turnpike, I suggested a plan to the
Legislative Oversight Committee in 1997. This plan suggests
that the state refund all or a portion of the 22 cents per
gallon fuel tax back to the truckers, based on miles driven
on the turnpike. This proposal is based on the fact that the state does not
maintain or operate the turnpike. Tolls provide for the maintenance
and operation. This concept would be similar to the old axle-mile
tax for which the truckers were exempt from paying on the
turnpike. To illustrate my proposal for the fuel tax, here's
an example. Using a portion of the fuel tax, a truck averages
approximately 5.5 miles per gallon of fuel. Then 0.17 cents
divided by 5.5 miles per gallon equals a 3.1 cent per-mile
rebate. This rebate would amount to approximately a 31 percent reduction
in tolls (1998 rates) for an empty semi (Class 5) and approximately
a 19 percent reduction in tolls (1998 rates) for a Class 8
vehicle. Inasmuch as the state does not maintain our road system,
the fuel tax is diverted to the state, which I consider to
be inequitable.
Managing Editor
LL:
In the spring of 1996, state lawmakers approved various measures
for the turnpike. They agreed to leave the tolls as they are
with additional increases set to be phased in Jan. 1997 through
July 1998. These graduated increases replaced the 80 percent
hike the turnpike approved in 1995. To date, what increases
have taken place?
Plain:
In April of 1995, the commission announced an 82 percent increase
to be implemented on July 1, 1995. Subsequently, after meeting
with representatives of various trucking groups, the commission
agreed to phase the increase in over a three-year period to
enable the trucking industry time to reflect the rate increase
in their long-term contracts. To date, the following increases
have been implemented.
LL:
Have any of these scheduled increases been delayed or eliminated?
Plain:
The commission delayed the last scheduled increase of 9.09 percent
from July 1, 1998, to Jan. 1, 1999.
LL:
Lawmakers call for the turnpike commission to hold at least
one public meeting 30 days in advance of the rate increases
planned for the pike. Has the opinion of the public had any
impact on the rate increases? How much impact has the STOP group
had on the plans for the pike?
Plain:
The STOP group has had no influence on the plans for the turnpike.
LL:
You have said that toll increases are needed to keep the road
in good condition and pay for lane expansions. As I understand
it, the National Highway System legislation that passed in 1995
calls for 90 percent federal funding for these projects, meaning
states would only have to come up with ten percent for matching
funds from state taxes. Can you explain to our readers why Ohio
needs more funding than 90 percent?
Plain:
The Ohio Turnpike does not receive any federal funding or state
funding, even though we carry the interstate designations for
parts of I-80, I-90 and I-76. The interstate system was designated
on the Ohio Turnpike by a Tripartite Agreement signed in 1956
among the ODOT, FHWA and Ohio Turnpike Commission.
LL:
Does the commission have the authority to expand its operations
to take in new sections of roads and bridges?
Plain:
The commission has the authority to build, maintain and operate
other toll facilities, but we would insist that tolls would
not be diverted from the Ohio Turnpike to these projects, they
would have to stand on their own merit.
LL:
Is there any plan to take in new roads or build new toll facilities?
Plain:
There is no current plan to build any new toll facility.
LL:
You have suggested that the state reduce the speed limit on
side roads, reduce weight limits for trucks and set up more
weigh stations. All this to deter much of the truck traffic
from straying off the turnpike. Has anything in this vein been
done, or are there plans for anything to be done?
Plain:
Not to my knowledge. The turnpike weighs all Class 2 and above
on entry as part of our classification system.
LL:
Why are the weight classifications for commercial trucks split
the way they are? With anything between 70,000 and 90,000 pounds
in a class together? Should a normal 80,000 pound legal load
pay the same as an over-sized load?
Plain:
The weights were designated years ago. We are reviewing the
weight classifications to determine what, if any, adjustments
can be implemented.
LL:
Why are there third-lane restrictions?
Plain:
To permit passenger cars to bypass trucks that are restricted
to the right two lanes without impeding passenger cars as they
do in the two-lane sections.
LL:
Will truckers see uniform speed
limits on the pike?
Plain:
Probably not.
LL:
What kind of changes will truckers notice on the turnpike
as the next ten-year period unfolds?
Plain:
Electronic toll collection, new travel centers, additional parking
and amenities, new food concepts and competitive pricing, completion
of the third lane section between Exit 4 (59) to Exit 15 (218)
and many other services to benefit all turnpike travelers. LL
