Having already reached its initial goal of 5-thousand volunteer drivers, Caltrans says they need a lot more rural participants for its Road Charge Pilot Program, which they want to begin in July. Spokesperson Vanessa Wiseman says they are now seeking to double the numbers, as a way to broaden representation beyond urban dwellers. She says since many rural residents tend to drive more, they may feel that they’ll have to pay more, even with the program replacing gas taxes. But she says results from Oregon’s Pilot Program suggests otherwise…

click to listen to Vanessa Wiseman

Since vehicles are now more fuel-efficient, drivers have been buying less gas and the state collects less money for ever more costly road work. Wiseman says if you’d like to apply to be a volunteer driver, you can register on Caltrans’ website. The deadline is June 30th…

click to listen to Vanessa Wiseman

Volunteers will get simulated monthly statements telling them how much they would pay. The program lasts 9 months. Caltrans then issues a report to the Legislature, which makes the final decision on whether to implement it.