Here's a thought...

**SyntheticShield** · 11-23-2008

I had an interesting thought about fuel prices, taxes and toll roads. If you dont live in the area then toll roads may not mean much to ya, but let me tell ya, its got to be one of the biggest rip offs going, but thats not the point of this post.

Around here there are A LOT of toll roads. Some of them have gas stations along the way so that you dont have to exit the toll road and get back on to get gas. Thats all well and good, but here is two things that nag at me about that.

1. The stations on the toll roads have gas prices substantially higher than stations not on the toll road. But I guess they got you there, so they are going to charge a bit more, but it doesnt make it any more right.

2. A toll road you pay to drive on. Okay, I dont like it but here's the rub. The gas stations STILL collect taxes on their gas sold. Which, ironically enough it supposed to be going to road maintenance.

So if Im paying a toll to ride on a road and that toll is supposedly for maintenance and upkeep, why should I also pay gas taxes when I buy gas on said toll road?

Think and ponder that one for a minute.

**Sabrewings** · 11-23-2008

I think toll roads are a stupid idea in the first place. TN has no toll roads. They just have slightly higher registration fees and some of the best roads of any state I've been to. You pay less per person, but everyone is paying (not just the people who drive on road XYZ) so more gets collected.

Just my two cents.

**crshoveride** · 11-23-2008

toll roads are probably the dumbest idea. i've been down to orlando area a few times and let me tell you it's messed up down there. certain roads your toll is determined by how long you drive on that road(don't quote me on that that's just how i remeber making a day trip from orlando to miami and that was over 2 years ago). oh then none of the tolls are a set price either you could go through one toll and it's 50 cents then the next toll it's 2 dollars. like sabre said TN does have some nice roads, but i've only been there once and i was only around knoxville. he only says they're some of the best cause Louisiana has some of the worst

trust me i'm from Louisiana and the roads are bad down there.

**Street Wolf** · 11-23-2008

I-44 for the loose

**SyntheticShield** · 11-23-2008

So what about the gas stations still charging taxes on the gas sold that is supposed to go to road maintenance, even though your on a toll road that collects tolls for the same reason.

**Quicklynx** · 11-23-2008

If you drive across the Chesapeake Bay bridge often you'll agree that it needs a toll. They are constantly doing maintenance on it year round and you can see the guys always working on it. They are always checking it to make sure everything is working properly and structurally it won't collapse. I don't want to be on the bay bridge if it collapses like I-35W did in Minnesota a few years ago. At one point the fall would be almost 3 times that of the Minnesota bridge if you compare their heights.

As for some of the toll roads in Baltimore though... screw them. I was looking for Aqua night club with some friends and we got lost and kept going through the toll roads trying to find our way. Ended up spending almost $30 on toll roads. Ridiculous!

**crshoveride** · 11-23-2008

ya know i never actually thought about it til i read this post and you're right. why should we have to pay those taxes twice. greedy goverment

**GeddyLee** · 11-23-2008

I would say truly its a conflict of interest. Basically you are getting hit DOUBLE for traveling on the toal roads and if you get gas on the trip through, you get taxed again. I guess my question is, does anyone know if those taxes go directly to the state in question operating the toal road or does it seep back into the pocket of the station?

"Some" toal roads due provide a bit more security and maintenence than regular state highway funded roads. I know when I lived in NC, I traveled a lot through Va and WVa a lot and even had the pleasure to travel on the PA Turnpike. I have to say the PA Turnpike was very kept as compared to some other nontoal highways.

When I use to see my girlfriend in Aurora CO, they too had many toal roads that lead back in Denver and out to the Airport. Those toal highways were very kept as well. And had a large Police presense on them. And winter road crews were on station 24/7 should you would not have to worry about the highway not being salted or kept clear during a storm.

Obviously those are only a few examples of "good" toal roads, but what you desrcibed Syn is truly wrong. I guess the only thing you can do to avoid that extra tax is to be sure to have gassed up before hitting that stretch of highway or something. I am guessing those types of establishments don't get as much business due to those reasons.

I would say contact your local news outlet and see if they have one of those investigative teams that will go sniff out the issue and bring it to light. We have couple here in St. Louis that have reaked havoc on several state and local county governments for their various "wrong" dealings that affect the taxpayer. That's always an option I suppose?

**Quicklynx** · 11-23-2008

The baltimore toll roads I was on were torn to bits. Rough ride. It was a joke! Maybe it goes into the harbor bridge or something, I don't know, but it wasn't for the road I was driving over.

**Deezul_AwT** · 11-25-2008

Don't like tolls? Don't drive. Driving is a PRIVILEGE, not a RIGHT.

**justwhisen** · 11-25-2008

Ive been on toll roads across the country and I have to agree you synth. I still adn have always thought toll roads were a rip, some are good and most are not.

**SlowM90** · 12-04-2008

LOL Drive in Arkansas....you would be glad to pay .50 to 2$ if it means you would have a nice road! lol. It seems like they are always "fixing" the road....I would LOVE to drive down a road where I wouldn't have to hold my boobs and pray! LOL

**SyntheticShield** · 12-04-2008

Originally Posted by Jess3103

....I would LOVE to drive down a road where I wouldn't have to hold my boobs and pray! LOL

ummmm......ummmmm.......ummm....wow. I dont think Ive every heard a driving experience described quite like that.

**SlowM90** · 12-04-2008

LOL sorry! haha I didnt know how else to relate to how bad the roads suck!!!

**Quicklynx** · 12-04-2008

yea thats what i do too......

**SlowM90** · 12-04-2008

^^ lol

**TheOtherNick** · 12-04-2008

You guys and your fancy toll roads lol. I am lucky not to have to drive for 10 miles on gravel like some of my friends. I do feel ya on the high gas prices. We have a truck stop a few miles out of town on the Avenue of the Saints they are always high on gas prices, but they are the only ones with 92 Octane with out ethanol.