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Kansas Sen. David Haley emailed this statement to us today concerning toll booth increases in Kansas. Haley believes the increases were unfair to drivers and he suggests an alternative plan.

Here's his statement in full:

“One of the most important issues facing the legislature in 2010, next session, will be the creation of a new transportation plan.  As state senator, I have already had discussions with KDOT and local officials about possible revenue sources needed to begin addressing road improvement projects in Kansas City and across the State of Kansas.
 
“After these discussions, one viable solution is to institute a conduct-based toll system.  This system would help finance our new transportation plan, while avoiding the 15 percent across-the-board toll increase for cash fares, which has been announced by KTA.
 
“According to KTA’s Web site, a cash fare driver traveling to and from Kansas City, Kan. to Topeka five times a week previously paid $1,118 per year in toll fees. Since the 15 percent toll increase was instituted on October 1, 2009, the same driver is now being charged an additional $167.70 per year to travel the same distance.  This type of categorical increase is unfair and impractical to drivers in our tough economy. 
 

“By implementing a ‘double standard’, which requires drivers without a ‘K-Tag’ to pay more than drivers with a ‘K-Tag’, KTA has essentially used its authority to create a conduct based toll system which treats drivers differently. It seems only logical and fair that KTA would expand their system to include separate toll fees for excessive speeders.”
 
“The State of Kansas should institute methodologies that allow drivers opportunities to reduce the tax, or ‘fee,’ burden that the KTA continues to unnecessarily place on every driver; methodologies such as charging users only in direct relationship to how fast they drive.”
 
“During the 2007 and 2009 Legislative sessions, I introduced a bill that would have encouraged KTA to develop and implement a toll system based on the average speed driven by a turnpike user.  The bill would have allowed KTA jurisdiction over details of a new fee structure without limiting the Kansas Highway Patrol from issuing speeding citations for turnpike drivers.
 
“This new toll system would promote fuel economy, reduce vehicle emissions and save lives by diminishing accident risk.  Additionally, motorists would still have the choice of using an alternate, non-tolled roadway which could lesson congestion for all drivers, improve air quality, and enhance mobility.
 
“If KTA continues to disregard the seemingly obvious benefits of a conduct-based system, I plan to re-introduce this concept during the 2010 Legislative session and am hopeful that when the legislature convenes, we can have a serious discussion about its merits.”