I-44 & 161st repairs. Good timing or too late?

[heironymouspasparagus]

When I was driving a few years ago (OTR) there was a fair number who would actively find routes around Oklahoma to avoid the turnpikes.  They make it as expensive as possible, and don't even bother to get with the national pike pass program to make a trucker's life easier, if not less costly.

Turnpikes - another great point to start a grumble session...

Road repairs - I-40 in OKC was going through this same bridge failure scenario the last 3 years.  About every week or two, a large chunk would drop out of the deck onto the ground below.  This was constant through 2007, 2008 and most of 2009.  Seems to have slowed in last 4 months or so.

[sgrizzle]

When I was driving a few years ago (OTR) there was a fair number who would actively find routes around Oklahoma to avoid the turnpikes.  They make it as expensive as possible, and don't even bother to get with the national pike pass program to make a trucker's life easier, if not less costly.

Turnpikes - another great point to start a grumble session...

Road repairs - I-40 in OKC was going through this same bridge failure scenario the last 3 years.  About every week or two, a large chunk would drop out of the deck onto the ground below.  This was constant through 2007, 2008 and most of 2009.  Seems to have slowed in last 4 months or so.

There is no national pikepass system, and at one time, pikepass was the largest in the US. Some states in the northeast are moving to compatible systems but they were very late in the game to widely adopt electronic toll payment. However, no state in this area is compatible with the northeast system.

[MichaelBates]

There is no national pikepass system, and at one time, pikepass was the largest in the US. Some states in the northeast are moving to compatible systems but they were very late in the game to widely adopt electronic toll payment. However, no state in this area is compatible with the northeast system.

E-ZPass works from Virginia north to Maine, plus Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia, and including New York City's bridges and tunnels.

[nathanm]

There is no national pikepass system, and at one time, pikepass was the largest in the US. Some states in the northeast are moving to compatible systems but they were very late in the game to widely adopt electronic toll payment. However, no state in this area is compatible with the northeast system.

Are moving? Try "moved on it mostly a decade ago," although more and more states are joining. Florida finally got on the stick and made SunPass and E-Pass interoperable back in 2002 or 2003.

EZ-Pass works in something like 13 states, as far west as Illinois. We use compatible tags, too.

With a lot of places moving to the new RFID window tags, we ought to be able to get some interoperability going on.

I'd love to see interoperability with K-Tag in Kansas, and E-Pass and SunPass in Florida. I don't know about K-Tag, but I know the transponders we have are compatible with E-Pass and SunPass. Speaking of which, next time I'm in Florida I have got to remember to get one of the new SunPass boxes. They're only $5. Either that or I need to find my SO's E-Pass she still has around here somewhere.

I only drive on toll roads in the northeast once or twice a decade, so going out of my way to get an EZ-Pass compatible tag wouldn't really be worth it, although it would be nice.

[patric]

Are moving? Try "moved on it mostly a decade ago," although more and more states are joining. Florida finally got on the stick and made SunPass and E-Pass interoperable back in 2002 or 2003.

EZ-Pass works in something like 13 states, as far west as Illinois. We use compatible tags, too.

With a lot of places moving to the new RFID window tags, we ought to be able to get some interoperability going on.

I'd love to see interoperability with K-Tag in Kansas, and E-Pass and SunPass in Florida. I don't know about K-Tag, but I know the transponders we have are compatible with E-Pass and SunPass. Speaking of which, next time I'm in Florida I have got to remember to get one of the new SunPass boxes. They're only $5. Either that or I need to find my SO's E-Pass she still has around here somewhere.

I only drive on toll roads in the northeast once or twice a decade, so going out of my way to get an EZ-Pass compatible tag wouldn't really be worth it, although it would be nice.

The Turnpike Authority announced last September that the RFID transponders (white boxes) are being phased out, and that they will either use stickers or just tag readers.

[nathanm]

The Turnpike Authority announced last September that the RFID transponders (white boxes) are being phased out, and that they will either use stickers or just tag readers.

Hopefully the stickers will be cheaper, as I have more cars than I have PikePasses.

I'll be completely screwed when driving rentals if they go to the sticker-only system. I hate stopping to pay tolls. It seems like there's always a line and nobody ever has their money ready, so it takes forever.

[Gaspar]

TRaffic has been constrained since Friday because the bridges in this area are literally falling apart. Currently I-44 east and westbound are both one lane and 165th is closed due to falling debris. This area is only being fixed now because the Cherokees threw some resources into it.

I know we're behind on repairs, but are we to far behind?

Where is that "raise gas tax to fix roads and bridges" campaign now?

Consider the chunks of concrete as "indicators" like they put in frozen turkeys.  When they pop up, it's time to fix them.  It's just how we do things round here.

[Red Arrow]

I hope OTA keeps a way to separate when a vehicle has a trailer or not.  I have a 3 axle Pike Pass for when I am towing a trailer.

[heironymouspasparagus]

EZ Pass is what I couldn't remember earlier - it is an excellent system and has been for years.  Northeast only.

And don't expect OTA to EVER become smart enough to get on that wagon.  This sticker idea will likely be just another bumfuzzle POS that will set us back even further.

And why do we even HAVE an OTA at this point?  Oh, yeah, political patronage, cronyism, "favors", etc.

And paybacks for unruly taxpayers.

Remember how Creek turnpike was to be free road and all the idiots along 96th street protested a road of any kind?  Even though they have known since the '60s that it was going to be there?  Decades before they built their cute little yuppy McMansions.  Or were even born in some cases...

So, to get around those idiot yuppies, ODOT just turned it over to OTA and voila... a year later, the road is built and running and charging a fee.  Brilliant strategy.  How's THAT working out for ya'??  (Rhetorical question)

[sgrizzle]

E-ZPass works from Virginia north to Maine, plus Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia, and including New York City's bridges and tunnels.

"Used in multiple states" is not the same as "national"

[MDepr2007]

Here is a list which shows the tax on diesel per state that this fuel station is located.
Sorry it's not clearer but it's still readable to most I beleive.
First is  the State then City then IFTA tax per gallon then the listed price on the sign as of 2-24-2010.

2/24/2010          Cost Plus (+) & Retail Minus (-) Better of Price by Location Report                                     Retail prices are subject to change at any time. Program discounts are based on doing paperless transactions.                                                                          State   City   IFTA Tax   Posted Cash Retail Price   Cost (+) Discount   Retail (-) Discount   Cost (+) Price   Retail (-) Price   Cheapest Price (Your Price)   Better Price W/O Tax   True Cost Plus   Best Price of Cost Plus Vs. Retail Minus   SITE AL   BIRMINGHAM   $.1900   $2.8490                           0500091 AL   DOTHAN   $.1900   $2.7690                           0500150 AL   HOPE HULL   $.1900   $2.8590                           0500143 AL   MCCALLA   $.1900   $2.8590                           0500042 AR   RUSSELLVILLE   $.2250   $2.8790                           0500038 AR   TEXARKANA   $.2250   $2.8390                           0500021 AR   WEST MEMPHIS   $.2250   $2.8790                           0500333 AZ   EHRENBERG   $.2600   $2.9190                           0500250 AZ   ELOY   $.2600   $2.8390                           500310 AZ   KINGMAN   $.2600   $2.8790                           0500050 AZ   PHOENIX   $.2600   $2.8090                           0500006 AZ   WINSLOW   $.2600   $2.9590                           0500041 AZ   YUMA   $.2600   $2.8990                           4220301 CA   BAKERSFIELD   $.3730   $2.9590                           0500320 CA   BARSTOW   $.3730   $3.0590                           0500090 CA   CORNING   $.3730   $3.0790                           0500154 CA   LEBEC   $.3730   $3.0090                           0500055 CA   LODI   $.3730   $3.0790                           0500079 CA   RIPON   $.3730   $2.9390                           0500075 CA   THOUSAND PALMS   $.3730   $3.0490                           0520020 CO   AURORA   $.2050   $2.8190                           0500061 CO   JULESBURG   $.2050   $2.8190                           0500014 CO   LIMON   $.2050   $2.7790                           0500211 FL   DADE CITY   $.3167   $3.0390                           0500037 FL   FORT PIERCE   $.3167   $3.0590                           0500063 FL   MIDWAY   $.3167   $2.9590                           0500054 FL   SEFFNER   $.3167   $2.9590                           0500081 FL   ST AUGUSTINE   $.3167   $2.8690                           0500117 GA   BRUNSWICK   $.1330   $2.8390                           0500057 GA   CARNESVILLE   $.1330   $2.8390                           0500096 GA   COMMERCE   $.1330   $2.8490                           0500169 GA   JACKSON   $.1330   $2.8390                           0500280 GA   LAKE PARK   $.1330   $2.8190                           0500044 GA   RESACA   $.1330   $2.8790                           0500470 GA   TEMPLE   $.1330   $2.8390                           0500045 GA   UNION POINT   $.1330   $2.8390                           0500147 IA   CLIVE   $.2250   $2.7990                           0500314 IA   DAVENPORT   $.2250   $2.8590                           0500071 IA   Waterloo   $.2250   $2.9190                           0500088 ID   BLACKFOOT   $.2500   $2.8690                           0520182 ID   BOISE   $.2500   $2.9390                           0011380 ID   BOISE   $.2500   $2.9390                           0520380 ID   CALDWELL   $.2500   $2.8190                           0500002 ID   JEROME   $.2500   $2.8790                           0500116 ID   LEWISTON   $.2500   $2.9190                           0520385 ID   MCCAMMON   $.2500   $2.8790                           0500223 ID   POST FALLS   $.2500   $3.0390                           0500005 IL   ALORTON   $.3500   $2.9790                           0500145 IL   EFFINGHAM   $.3500   $2.9490                           0500107 IL   LASALLE   $.3500   $2.8790                           0500076 IL   PONTOON BEACH   $.3500   $2.9790                           0500070 IL   SOUTH BELOIT   $.3500   $2.9590                           0500097 IN   GARY   $.1600   $2.8190                           0500024 IN   HAUBSTADT   $.1600   $2.8790                           0500098 IN   INDIANAPOLIS   $.1600   $2.7190                           0500440 IN   LAKE STATION   $.1600   $2.8190                           0500085 IN   LEBANON   $.1600   $2.8290                           0500069 IN   LOWELL   $.1600   $2.8190                           0500119 IN   SPICELAND   $.1600   $2.7990                           0500111 IN   WHITELAND   $.1600   $2.6990                           0500087 KS   DODGE CITY   $.2600   $2.7890                           0500160 KS   Emporia   $.2600   $2.7290                           0500083 KS   SALINA   $.2600   $2.7090                           0500043 KY   CATLETTSBURG   $.1970   $2.8090                           0500118 KY   FRANKLIN   $.1970   $2.8090                           0500053 KY   OAK GROVE   $.1970   $2.7690                           0500058 KY   WADDY   $.1970   $2.8790                           0500036 KY   WALTON   $.1970   $2.7790                           0500400 LA   GREENWOOD   $.2000   $2.8690                           0500048 MI   BENTON HARBOR   $.2960   $2.8290                           0500121 MI   LANSING   $.2960   $2.8090                           0500126 MI   SAGINAW   $.2960   $2.9390                           0500170 MO   JOPLIN   $.1700   $2.6090                           0500080 MO   KANSAS CITY   $.1700   $2.6590                           0520086 MO   MATTHEWS   $.1700   $2.8390                           0500074 MO   PECULIAR   $.1700   $2.6790                           0500082 MO   SULLIVAN   $.1700   $2.6790                           0500047 MO   WARRENTON   $.1700   $2.6390                           0500016 MO   WAYLAND   $.1700   $2.6990                           0500084 MS   GULFPORT   $.1800   $2.7790                           0500065 MS   OLIVE BRANCH   $.1800   $2.8590                           0500095 MS   PEARL   $.1800   $2.8190                           0500072 MT   BILLINGS   $.2775   $2.8390                           0500490 MT   BUTTE   $.2775   $2.8590                           0500130 MT   GREAT FALLS   $.2775   $2.8390                           0500203 NC   HAW RIVER   $.3030   $2.8990                           0500332 NC   KENLY   $.3030   $2.8590                           0500148 ND   BEACH   $.2300   $2.8590                           0500004 ND   FARGO   $.2300   $2.8290                           0500009 NE   GRETNA   $.2640   $2.7790                           0500012 NE   NORTH PLATTE   $.2640   $2.7590                           0500059 NJ   CARNEYS POINT   $.1750   $2.8590                           0500067 NM   ALBUQUERQUE   $.2100   $2.7690                           0500032 NM   LORDSBURG   $.2100   $2.8790                           0500129 NM   TUCUMCARI   $.2100   $2.7690                           0500176 NV   WELLS   $.2700   $2.8190                           0520102 NV   WELLS   $.2700   $2.8190                           0500068 NV   WINNEMUCCA   $.2700   $2.7990                           0520025 NY   BUFFALO   $.3935   $3.0590                           0500049 OH   AUSTINBURG             $.2800   $2.9990                           0500066 OH   BEAVER DAM   $.2800   $2.8490                           0500039 OH   HUBBARD   $.2800   $2.8390                           0500112 OH   JEFFERSONVILLE   $.2800   $2.8990                           0500046 OH   MILLERSPORT   $.2800   $2.8190                           0500030 OH   PERRYSBURG   $.2800   $2.9190                           0500450 OH   SUNBURY   $.2800   $2.9790                           0500028 OK   ARDMORE   $.1300   $2.6790                           0500163 OK   CHECOTAH   $.1300   $2.6890                           0500052 OK   OKLAHOMA CITY   $.1300   $2.6790                           0500027 OK   OKLAHOMA CITY   $.1300   $2.6990                           0500056 OK   SAYRE   $.1300   $2.7190                           0500093 OK   TULSA   $.1300   $2.6690                           0500008 OR   TROUTDALE   $0.0000   $2.6790                           0520019 PA   BROOKVILLE   $.3810   $3.0390                           0500092 PA   CARLISLE   $.3810   $3.0590                           0500200 PA   Mill Hall   $.3810   $3.0590                           0500113 PA   NEW MILFORD   $.3810   $3.0390                           0500062 SC   BLACKSBURG   $.1600   $2.6490                           0500510 SC   COLUMBIA   $.1600   $2.6890                           0500031 SC   LATTA   $.1600   $2.8190                           0500331 SC   ROCK HILL   $.1600   $2.6990                           0500144 SD   SIOUX FALLS   $.2200   $2.8190                           0500035 TN   FAIRVIEW   $.1700   $2.6990                           0500051 TN   KNOXVILLE   $.1700   $2.7790                           0500034 TX   AMARILLO   $.2000   $2.7690                           0500350 TX   ANTHONY   $.2000   $2.7790                           0500460 TX   BAYTOWN   $.2000   $2.7990                           0500141 TX   BROOKSHIRE   $.2000   $2.7590                           0500161 TX   DALLAS   $.2000   $2.7790                           0500520 TX   EDINBURG   $.2000   $2.7990                           0500127 TX   EL PASO   $.2000   $2.7790                           0500103 TX   EL PASO   $.2000   $2.7890                           0544404 TX   HOUSTON   $.2000   $2.7690                           0500094 TX   JARRELL   $.2000   $2.6990                           4224403 TX   LAREDO   $.2000   $2.7390                           0500142 TX   LUBBOCK   $.2000   $2.7190                           0500155 TX   MIDLAND   $.2000   $2.7890                           4444402 TX   MIDLAND   $.2000   $2.8190                           4444403 TX   NEW CANEY   $.2000   $2.8390                           0500128 TX   ORANGE   $.2000   $2.7590                           0500026 TX   PECOS   $.2000   $2.8090                           0500260 TX   SAN ANTONIO   $.2000   $2.7990                           0500410 TX   TYE   $.2000   $2.8190                           0500064 TX   WACO   $.2000   $2.8390                           0500089 TX   WICHITA FALLS   $.2000   $2.7790                           0500153 UT   BEAVER   $.2450   $2.8690                           4224504 UT   BRIGHAM CITY   $.2450   $2.8990                           0520188 UT   LAKE POINT   $.2450   $2.8990                           0500015 UT   NEPHI   $.2450   $2.8990                           0500196 UT   NORTH SALT LAKE CITY   $.2450   $2.8990                           0520100 UT   OGDEN   $.2450   $2.8990                           0500001 UT   PAYSON   $.2450   $2.8990                           0500198 UT   PERRY   $.2450   $2.8990                           4224502 UT   RICHFIELD   $.2450   $2.8690                           0520186 UT   SALT LAKE CITY   $.2450   $2.8990                           0500007 UT   SCIPIO   $.2450   $2.8790                           4224505 UT   SNOWVILLE   $.2450   $2.8890                           0520139 UT   SPRINGVILLE   $.2450   $2.8990                           0500105 UT   ST GEORGE   $.2450   $2.8790                           0520101 UT   WILLARD   $.2450   $2.8990                           0500125 VA   CLEAR BROOK   $.1750   $2.8190                           0500073 VA   FORT CHISWELL   $.1750   $2.7990                           0500123 VA   RUTHER GLEN   $.1750   $2.7190                           0500033 VA   WYTHEVILLE   $.1750   $2.7990                           0500420 WA   TACOMA   $.3750   $3.0390                           0500060 WI   BLACK RIVER FALLS   $.3290   $2.8990                           0500010 WI   OAK CREEK   $.3290   $2.8990                           0500124 WY   CASPER   $.1400   $2.6590                           0500029 WY   CHEYENNE   $.1400   $2.7190                           0500018 WY   COKEVILLE   $.1400   $2.8990                           0500022 WY   EVANSTON   $.1400   $2.8590                           0500180 WY   GILLETTE   $.1400   $2.7090                           0500140 WY   RAWLINS   $.1400   $2.8190                           0500040 WY   ROCK SPRINGS   $.1400   $2.8290                           0500017

[Red Arrow]

Oklahoma should raise its tax on diesel fuel to $.40/gal for two the following reasons.

1.  So we can finally be a leader in something and not be at the bottom of the heap.

2.  I hate being next to a diesel when in traffic.

[custosnox]

Oklahoma should raise its tax on diesel fuel to $.40/gal for two reasons.

1.  So we can finally be a leader in something and not be at the bottom of the heap.

2.  I hate being next to a diesel when in traffic.

3. Because we love to pay those high transport costs at the register when we buy groceries.