Funding Transportation in North Texas

Congestion and transportation needs are increasing. However, the region is expected to receive less funding for transportation in 2030 than today. Increasing population and vehicle turnover to increasingly fuel-efficient models impact transportation funding.

Residents contribute to transportation funding at the fuel pump. There is a 20-cent state gasoline tax and 18.4-cent federal gasoline tax collected, but not all of this revenue makes it's way back to North Texas. At the state level, diversions to non-transportation uses cut into funds. At the federal level, a portion of funds are sent to other states. While demand and costs increase, traditional transportation funding has remained unchanged. Therefore, transportation officials and local elected officials have pursued local and innovative financing to meet transportation and related air quality needs for the region now and into the future.

North Texas by the Numbers

6.5 million residents
Larger than 34 states in population
Larger than nine states by land area
Represents 34 percent of the Texas economy
Expected to grow to 9 million residents by 2030

Estimated Transportation Costs By Project Type

Additional capacity (freeway/tollway): $4.2 - $5.3 million per lane mile
Additional capacity (arterial road): $1.0 - $1.5 million per lane mile
Light rail: $50 - $60 million per mile
Regional/commuter rail: $12 - $20 million per mile
Rail station: $3 - $10 million
Park-and-ride lot: $4,000 - $6,000 per space
Off-street bicycle/pedestrian route (Veloweb): $1.4 million per mile
On-street bicycle route: $18,000 per mile
Sidewalk: $15,000 per mile

The costs listed above are estimates only. The ranges of cost vary greatly according to the nature of the design, location and scope of project. These estimates do not include the cost for right-of-way or maintenance and operation.

Mobility 2030 Funding Types

Funding Source Graph: Innovative 30%, Local 34%, Federal 18%, State 18%
Local and innovative financing account for about 70 percent of transportation funding. Examples of innovative transportation funding sources: toll roads, HOV/managed lanes, public-private partnerships and comprehensive development agreements. Examples of local sources: sales/special taxes, bond programs, impact fees, property taxes.

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How much do we pay for transportation?

Assuming 12,000 miles driven per year, the table below shows the average cost per mile for a passenger vehicle in 2009 and 2030. A significant increase is expected for the average miles per gallon rating for passenger vehicles.

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