Mileage-Based Tax in the US: Theory, Research and Practice
Speaker:
Prof. Peng Chen
School of Public Affairs, University of South Florida, USA
Date: Nov 18, 2024 (Monday)
Time: 11:00am – 12:00nn
Venue: Room 612B, 6/F Haking Wong Building, The University of Hong Kong
Abstract
This study reviews the theoretical foundations, empirical research, and emerging practice of mileage-based taxation (MBT) in the US. The theory section introduces economic perspectives from neoclassical, behavioral, and institutional traditions. Examining key issues from these perspectives advances the understanding of environmental benefits, data privacy, public acceptance, and the implications for equity and efficiency of MBT. The research section synthesizes recent studies on the financial, environmental, and social impacts of MBT, highlighting that transportation equity concerns are central to ongoing debates and deserve further exploration. The practice section analyzes empirical cases by comparing pilot programs and existing policies across various states, identifying reasons for differences in implementation and outcomes. This nuanced understanding of MBT underscores its potential as an effective policy tool for sustainable transportation and provides valuable insights for future research and implementation.
About the Speaker
Dr. Chen is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of South Florida, specializing in Transportation Planning and Policy with a focus on interdisciplinary research that integrates urban planning, transportation engineering, and quantitative analysis. He serves as an Associate Editor for Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment and received the Best Paper Award at the 14th World Conference on Transport Research. His research is funded by prominent organizations, including the National Institute for Congestion Research and the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Chen earned his Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the University of Washington in 2016, along with a Master’s in Civil Engineering (2015) and a graduate certificate in Statistics (2014), having previously obtained a Master’s in Geography from Peking University (2010) and a Bachelor’s in Engineering from Wuhan University (2007). He has been recognized as one of the top 2% of highly cited researchers by Elsevier and Stanford University (annual ranking) since 2020.
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