Paying per mile instead of fuel tax being tested in Del.

With the steady increase of electric cars and fuel efficient vehicles, the State of Delaware is making less and less money off of their fuel tax.  

Fuel tax is incredibly important to the First State because it helps pay for things like road maintenance and other infrastructure projects.

That's why the Delaware Department of Transportation is teaming up with the I-95 Corridor Coalition to study a program where people who drive more, would pay more.

C.R. McLeod, the Communications Director for DelDOT said, "Instead of paying a fuel tax when you fill up your tank, you would actually be doing it on a monthly basis for how many miles you're driving."

As of right now, about 120 Delaware residents (mostly state employees) are testing out a new pilot program using a small device that tracks their mileage, calculating how much money they would have to pay the State of Delaware each month.

McLeod said, "So again, just looking at a point in the future where we may need to replace the motor fuel tax and we're just doing our homework."

We spoke to some Delawareans filling up at the pump Friday about what they think about this potential change, and we got some mixed reactions.

Sarah Pugh, a Delaware Resident said, "I think that there's a possibility for good change."

Michael Tyrell, another Delaware Resident said, "We really, I couldn't know if I could handle the change, because we're used to what it is! We don't drive a lot of miles, but I'd be okay with the way it is now."

Overall, DelDOT stresses they are not trying to punish anyone or hurt small businesses, they are merely looking to level the playing field.

McLeod said, "We don't want this to be a penalty system, but we want to make sure that everyone who is using the roadway is paying their fair share for the wear and tear of the roads that are accumulating."

Again, this study is still in it's beginning stages, so if you drive a lot through the First State, there's no need to worry just yet.

After this initial study is complete, the study will enter Phase Two where they will track truck mileage, and after that, they will study another 1,000 vehicles.

If you have any questions about this study, you can visit i95coalitionmbuf.org