Who does tolling make the world a better place for?

Everybody? The rich?

Gov. Tina Kotek recently decided Oregonians would be better off to end the state’s plans for tolling along Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 from Wilsonville to Portland.

Tolling plans had the kind of reception you would expect. People didn’t want it. People worried about drivers using local streets to dodge tolls. And there were also concerns about impacts on lower-income families, despite plans to adjust tolls for them.

You can’t blame the Oregon Department of Transportation for trying to find a way to generate money. Tolling does have the merit of enabling congestion pricing, which can cut down on traffic at certain times of the day.

Also, the Legislature has not responded with a plan to fund the state’s long-term maintenance needs as the gas tax seems destined to dry up.

Whether tolling is on or off the table, expect a legislative proposal in the 2025 session for a mandate for Oregonias to switch to a pay-by-the mile system, instead of paying by the gallon.