Two-thirds of Americans (68 percent) believe the federal government should invest more than it does now on roads, bridges and mass transit systems, according to a new AAA survey.
Only five percent of respondents believe the federal government should spend less on transportation. AAA is urging members of Congress to increase the fuel tax, which the organization says will address significant transportation safety and congestion issues nationwide.
“Americans are fed up with record-long commutes, unsafe highways and never-ending potholes caused by political inaction,” AAA President and CEO Bob Darbelnet said in a statement. “Congress must prevent severe maintenance delays during the height of the summer driving season by preventing a Highway Trust Fund bankruptcy in August.”
The survey also revealed:
- 52 percent of Americans are willing to pay higher fuel taxes per month on average for better roads, bridges and mass transit systems
- 51 percent are more likely to vote for a member of Congress who supports increased federal spending on transportation than would be less likely (19 percent)
- 67 percent agree that taxes on gasoline and diesel consumption are appropriate for transportation funding
- More people believe that roads, bridges and transit systems have declined in quality over the previous three years (43 percent) than those who believe the quality has improved (32 percent)
“Many of us are willing to pay a little more if it means we will have access to better roads, bridges and transit systems,” Darbelnet said. “It is time for our nation’s leaders to stand with those in Congress who support improving our country’s transportation system.”