When will they learn? Higher taxes don't mean more money!

[Dredly]

Driving decline cuts into profits from Pa. toll increase

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — As the economy continues its pinch, Pennsylvania is getting less revenue than expected from Turnpike toll increases.

Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike went up 25 percent on Jan. 24. But January revenue was up less than 11 percent from the previous January.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Tuesday that commercial traffic that accounts for nearly half the Pennsylvania Turnpike's toll revenue was down 14 percent, and overall turnpike traffic was down nearly 6 percent.

Federal figures indicate vehicle miles statewide in Pennsylvania dropped 4.5 percent in January. That continues a downward trend that began nationally in December 2007, even though gasoline prices have eased. The state also reports diminished liquid fuels tax collections.

Imagine that... increasing fee's during a period of recession results in less people using the turnpike... no kidding

[tdyoung58]

That's what happens when a lawyer trys to run a business..... much like the rest of the gooberment and our economy

[FNG19]

Imagine that... increasing fee's during a period of recession results in less people using the turnpike... no kidding

There's no proof that's a causal relationship. For example, how many people would drive through the turnpike system, entering in NJ and departing in OH, that are not doing so presently? How many people are not driving to King of Prussia to visit the mall there that would otherwise do so? How many PA residents are out of work and thus don't need to take the turnpike to get to work?

I agree that raising taxes during a recession doesn't make sense, but there's not enough data to suggest that the decline is directly causal.