Caltrans looking for volunteers to participate in California Road Charge Phased Demonstration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KIEM) — If you would like to earn some cash just by driving around in your car, Caltrans is looking for 150 volunteers for research on a road user charge, something that could be a potential alternative to the state gas tax. Volunteers can receive up to $100.

The California Road Charge Phased Demonstration will look into how drivers could be charged for the miles they travel versus the gas they use. It’s done by using a payment system at electric vehicle charging stations, or through a usage-based insurance approach.

Chantel Vernon, a spokesperson for Caltrans, says registration is simple and all are encouraged to participate.

“We just like to encourage people to sign up to help volunteer for the program. It’s great to get a diverse mix of people and users to make sure that when we’re looking at this, we look to what’s going to be most beneficial for everyone involved,” Vernon says.

The 6 month demonstration starts January 2021. Down the road, Caltrans will test an app-based payment of rideshare miles and gather data from autonomous vehicles. Visit caroadcharge.com to participate.