What Happened: Starting Feb. 1 the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) will accept volunteers for a mileage-based fee pilot program. The legislature approved the program (also known as a road usage charge, or vehicle-miles traveled fee) during the 2021 legislative session. Drivers will report their milage using an odometer reading device and receive sample monthly bills – but they won’t owe money and will pay their gas tax and tolls as usual.

What it Matters: ODOT’s objective in launching the Fair Miles Oklahoma pilot program is to address revenue challenges created by fuel efficient vehicles, establish fair funding models, and tackle the state’s transportation infrastructure needs. The effort is capped at 500 participants chosen from different parts of the state and different vehicle models. Each volunteer receives $50.

What’s Next: The pilot runs July through December 2023. A report on its viability is due to the state legislature Dec. 31, 2023.