cartky.org

A bill which passed this legislative session will allow a new, innovative transportation model for seniors to begin providing services in Lexington.

How does it work? Essentially, it's like a private taxi service. Folks pay an annual membership fee of around $50. They then pay a per-ride fee of $4-7 plus $1/mile. Individuals who don't have much money can donate their car to the program's vehicle pool, and then they get ride credits for the value of the car. Afflilate groups in the 8 other cities that have adapted this model have also gotten businesses, such as pharmacies, banks, and doctors' offices, to sponsor the service for low-income folks.

Gas tax, in cents per gallon, is starting to come under fire. How are we to maintain our roads if everyone switches to plug-in electric cars? Although this may seem like an absurdly far-off event to worry about, Oregon is already exerimenting with taxing motorists per-mile. That's silly too, since it ads no incentive to conserve gasoline.

I asked "What would a completely fair tax of motor vehicles look like?" Taxing people for the road damage they cause, the carbon & other pollutants they emit, and the threat they pose to others should all be considered. This is the answer I received:

The cost to own and operate a vehicle has gone up again, according to the AAA. According to Portland Business Journal, the culprits were gasoline, financing, registration, and taxes. Hat tip to PortlandTransport.com.

According to the New York Times, Bloomberg's visionary congestion pricing scheme for New York has been defeated. Charging auto users for their ecological damage doesn't sit well with some people, I suppose.

"Robert Zubrin is best known for his daring "Mars Direct" plan, but his most recent book, Energy Victory: Winning the War on Terror by Breaking Free of Oil is set a lot closer to home.  His proposal on solving America's oil addition is simple -- some critics would say too simple.  Here's what Dr. Zubrin has to say."

The interview at Daily Kos is interesting. Basically, he's advocating Congress make all new vehicles sold in the US be required to be flex fuel. While he concedes that American-made corn ethanol is basically a sham, he still sees an opportunity by increasing the number of countries capable to produce motor-vehicle fuel. Who would you rather see get your Ethanol buck?: Iran or Brazil?

What do you think about his analysis?

CART regularly makes claims that leave the public going "huh?".  That's because we're reading the wonky research that's recommending no new roads, higher gas taxes, increased investment in rail, and increased investment in public transit.  So here is our bibliography:

by David Coyte, edited by David Morse

Our business community needs to take a deep breath and face the economic realities that now, and for the foreseeable future, will grip our economy. It is time to detach ourselves from the obsolete policies of Greater Louisville, INC (GLI) and examine what will truly serve us in this century. No where is this more important than in our consideration of the Bridges Project.

the 10 Commandments issue

• Nina Walfoort to speak at quarterly meeting
• World Car Free Day preperations
• TARC News
• Lexington Area Sierra Club
• Car Free Guide to Clifton
• Ohio River Bridges, again
• Underestimating Costs in Public Works Projects: Error or Lie?
• Safe Routes To School is a winning issue
• China passes USA in CO₂ emissions
• Vatican issues 10 commandments for drivers