Most do NOT believe current transportation funding is adequate
MADISON, Wisc. (April 1, 2019) – As spring begins in Wisconsin, so does “pothole season” for many drivers. Potholes cost drivers in the U.S. $3 billion annually.
Over 60 percent of Wisconsinites believe that current transportation funding IS NOT adequate to maintain roadways in their current condition, according to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse™ study. The same amount (62 percent) rate the quality of roads and bridges in the state as Fair (44 percent) or Poor (18 percent). While the options that Wisconsin residents support to increase transportation funding remain mixed, only one in five (21 percent) say that they do not support any effort to increase transportation funding.
|
Increase gasoline tax |
25% |
|
Charge tolls on existing toll-free roads |
19% |
|
Increase registration/plate fees |
18% |
|
Tax based on vehicle miles traveled (road usage charge) |
15% |
“Funding for roadways is nearing a crisis,” said Nick Jarmusz, Midwest director of public affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA supports the continued evaluation of long-term funding solutions by federal and state policymakers.”
According to the American Society of Engineers (ASCE), over a one-quarter of the public roads in Wisconsin are in “poor” condition. ASCE states that Wisconsin motorists are paying an average of $637 per motorist in vehicle repairs due to poor road conditions.
AAA is an advocate for motorists and travelers who are responsible for paying a large share of the nation’s transportation bill. AAA encourages motorists who are concerned about transportation funding to contact their local legislator and ask them to make transportation funding a priority.
Learn more about AAA’s position on transportation funding by visiting Exchange.AAA.com/Transportation-Funding.
AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey
The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among residents living in Wisconsin from January 28, 2019 – February 8, 2019. A total of 408 residents completed the survey. Survey results have a maximum margin of error of ± 4.9 percentage points. Responses are weighted by gender and age to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Wisconsin.
About The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9.8 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 59 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. Visit AAA on the Internet at AAA.com.