Funding Transportation in North Texas

Congestion and transportation demands 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.

 


Sources of State Highway Fund Revenue FY2011

Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Funding Challenges
Persist Despite Growth [PDF]

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.

Data table

More Funding Information