The Context

Day in and day out, the complex network of Ohio’s roads and bridges takes a beating. One of the key sources of funding for maintaining this transportation network is a state tax on gasoline (38.5 cents per gallon – did you know?). However, as the use of hybrid and electric vehicles grows and traditional gas-powered vehicles become more fuel-efficient, less gas is needed for driving the same number of miles. Therefore, the amount of funding from the state gas tax is decreasing. The Ohio Department of Transportation was seeking solutions for this problem.

The Critical Question

What do Ohio drivers think about the way Ohio’s roads and bridges are currently funded? Moving forward, how would Ohio drivers prefer for roads and bridges to be funded? What factors should be considered when deciding on a funding structure for Ohio’s roads and bridges?

Our Solution

Our research team conducted a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research to answer the critical questions: focus groups with Ohio drivers, one-on-one research interviews with leaders in the Ohio transportation industry, one-one-one research interviews with Ohio drivers, a representative survey of Ohio drivers, and a community outreach survey of Ohio residents. These research findings were then compiled into a series of reports and were presented to Ohio transportation stakeholders.

Illumination

Illuminology’s research provided insight into Ohio residents’ and transportation business leaders’ perspectives on preferences regarding how Ohio’s roads and bridges are funded.

Resolution

Moving forward, these research findings will guide the Ohio Department of Transportation and policy makers in deciding next steps for determining the funding structure for Ohio’s roads and bridges.