Communications Research

Listening to Californians is a critical component in developing and potentially implementing a successful road charge program that works for California.

Throughout the history of Road Charge research in California, helping the public understand where the current funding comes from for the transportation system and why something different is needed for the future has been the goal. Explaining the declining revenues from the gas tax is an effective starting point to engage Californians about alternative ideas to replace the revenue.

Awareness and Perceptions of a Road Charge System Among Low-Income Individuals in California

The findings from the California 2017 Road Charge Pilot recommended further research on the impacts of a road charge on disadvantaged communities. Caltrans contracted with the Foundation for California Community Colleges to research potential impacts of a road charge program on low-income individuals, specifically to measure awareness of transportation funding in California, gauge perceptions of and reaction to a potential road charge, and identify privacy concerns related to how information may be gathered as part of a road charge implementation.  The Importance of Assessing Potential Impacts of Road Charge on Disadvantaged and Low-Income Communities in California (caroadcharge.com)

California’s Four Phase Demonstration 2021

• Three random and representative studies of California adults were conducted to understand what the public thinks about road charging and to gain insight into their key priorities and concerns.
  Appendix O: General Public Polling Results
• Appendix P summarizes the key takeaways regarding the two rounds of focus groups conducted as part of the California Road Charge Demonstration Plan. The first set of research included five focus groups conducted among Bay Area, Central Valley, Northern California, the Los Angeles area, and San Diego/Orange County area drivers in February 2021. Another set of seven groups was conducted among EV drivers, ride hailing service drivers, long-distance commuters, rural drivers in Northern California and the Central Valley, and Spanish- and Chinese-speaking drivers in April 2021. All twelve groups were conducted online.
  Appendix P: Focus Group Results

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