Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM), a key player in smart mobility technology solutions, has released findings from a recent survey revealing that a significant portion of the American public believes electric vehicle (EV) owners should pay an "energy tax" to help fund roadways and infrastructure. This press release, dated November 17, 2025, details the results of a survey conducted among 2,000 Americans who frequently use toll roads.

2. Survey Highlights

The survey, which sought to understand public sentiment regarding funding for road infrastructure, uncovered some striking statistics:

Infrastructure Needs: A staggering 93% of respondents indicated that the roads and infrastructure in their states require improvements.

Support for Energy Tax: 73% of Americans surveyed believe that owners of electric vehicles should contribute through an energy tax to support infrastructure funding.

Stacey Moser, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Verra Mobility's Commercial Services, commented on the transformative nature of this funding shift, stating, "The U.S. is experiencing a fundamental shift in how we fund infrastructure improvements and expansions."

3. Toll Roads vs. Gas Taxes

Historically, the federal gas tax has been a principal source of infrastructure funding since 1932, currently levying 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents for diesel. However, with the rise in EV sales, traditional gas tax revenues are dwindling. For instance, Pennsylvania has seen a reported decline in gas tax revenue by approximately $250 million from 2019 to 2024.

The survey results indicated a clear preference among Americans for toll roads over gas taxes as a means of funding infrastructure projects:

Fairness of Toll Roads: 67% of respondents regarded toll roads as a fairer funding mechanism compared to taxes.

Acceptability of Tolls: 76% expressed willingness to pay tolls, provided the revenue is allocated towards enhancing the quality and safety of roads and bridges.

Additional Findings

The survey also explored various opinions on tolling and road usage pricing models:

Equal Payment for Tolls: 72% believed that everyone should pay the same tolls.

Consistent Tolls: 75% felt that tolls should remain uniform regardless of the time of day.

Transparency in Funding: 65% stated they would be more inclined to pay tolls if they knew the funds would directly benefit infrastructure projects.

Project Completion: 67% agreed that tolls should be removed once a project has been fully funded.

4. Public Sentiment on Alternative Funding Models

When respondents were asked about their general support for toll roads as a funding avenue for transportation projects, the results were as follows:

Toll Roads: 51% in favor, 30% neutral, and 20% opposed.

Road Usage Charging: 41% in favor, 33% neutral, and 25% opposed.

Congestion Pricing: 41% in favor, 31% neutral, and 28% opposed.

Moser emphasized the implications of these evolving funding models, particularly for fleet operators who must navigate complex tolling rules and payment systems.

5. Conclusion

Verra Mobility has been at the forefront of managing toll payments for over 15 years, processing over 300 million tolls annually for more than seven million vehicles. The company’s insights into the evolving landscape of transportation funding highlight the necessity of adapting to public sentiment and the significant role of technology in facilitating efficient toll management.

With the tolling market projected to grow from approximately $12.5 billion in 2022 to $18.6 billion by 2030, the survey results provide crucial insights into how Americans perceive and support innovative funding solutions for infrastructure improvements. As traditional gas tax revenues decline, the acceptance of tolls and energy taxes may pave the way for a more sustainable funding model for America's infrastructure needs.

Original press release