California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has launched a new nine-month pilot programme to test a pay-by-the-mile concept to replace the gas tax.

Around 5,000 volunteers will take part in the California Road Charge Pilot Programme.

Instead of charging drivers at the pump for gasoline they use, the programme is looking at the feasibility of charging them for the miles they drive.

"As a result of dwindling funds, the annual maintenance requirement of $5.7bn for the state highway system remains unfunded."

This programme is an effort by the department to explore ways of reducing the loss of dwindling gas tax funds, which have been steadily dropping over the past decade due to an increase in fuel efficiency standards and people switching to hybrid or electric vehicles.

As a result of dwindling funds, the annual maintenance requirement of $5.7bn for the state highway system remains unfunded.

This programme provides several methods for participants to report their mileage, including a time permit where drivers can buy a permit for unlimited road usage for a particular time period.

A mileage permit is another option where drivers can buy a block of miles depending on how many miles they expect to travel.

The third option is an odometer charge wherein drivers pay depending on periodic odometer readings.

Volunteer drivers can also report miles using the smartphone app.

Caltrans director Malcolm Dougherty was quoted by raffictechnologytoday.com as saying: “We’re proud that thousands of Californians have signed up to volunteer for the California Road Charge Pilot Programme.

“The opportunity to provide valuable input and evaluate the viability of a mileage based user fee system demonstrates the commitment that Californians have to our roads and to keeping them well maintained.”