Part 3/10:
Earlier this year, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) tested a pilot program implementing a per-mile fee of 2.8 cents. The trial also explored individualized fees based on vehicle fuel efficiency, aiming to reflect a vehicle's impact on infrastructure.
Three reporting methods were tested:
Odometer readings submitted manually or electronically
Transponder devices that measure miles traveled automatically
Mileage tracking through telematics or photo-recorded odometer submissions
The transponder-based approach, in particular, raises privacy concerns, as it involves tracking drivers' routes, distances, and potentially their habits and routines. Critics worry about the invasion of privacy and the potential misuse of travel data.