SAFE: Widespread, Bipartisan Support Exists for Transportation Policies that would Reduce Oil Dependence

Independent polls commissioned by SAFE in Minneapolis and San Diego show broad support for dynamic tolling

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE) today released independent polling showing widespread, bipartisan support for dynamic tolling lanes in two areas of the country where this innovative transportation policy currently exists – San Diego and Minneapolis. SAFE commissioned the poll as part of its effort to promote transportation policies that reduce U.S. oil use because of the economic and national security threats posed by our dependence on petroleum.

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Dynamic tolling is a market-based program that achieves more consistent, free-flowing traffic conditions, thereby reducing travel times, increasing travel time reliability, and lowering fuel consumption. Dynamic tolling helps cities manage congestion by charging drivers lower prices when and where road conditions are less congested, and higher prices during periods of heavy congestion. Drivers in carpools and other high-occupancy vehicles often access these lanes at no charge, and motorists always have the choice of accessing a free lane.  

The SAFE commissioned poll shows overwhelming support from users of dynamic tolling, as well as from all respondents after hearing more about the program. In Minneapolis, 83 percent of dynamic toll users support the program; in San Diego, 69 percent of users support it. Majorities in both Minneapolis and San Diego support dynamic tolling after hearing a brief description of the program (71 percent in Minneapolis, 65 percent in San Diego). Support also extends across party lines, with significant majorities of Republicans and Democrats in both locations expressing support for dynamic tolling.

Those who use dynamic tolling see a multitude of benefits. Not only do they believe dynamic tolling is convenient (89 percent in Minneapolis, 86 percent in San Diego).They also see dynamic tolling as reducing congestion (82 percent in Minneapolis, 78 percent in San Diego) and understand key benefits that derive from less congestion, such as reduced gas consumption and air pollution (76 percent in Minneapolis, 78 percent in San Diego), as well as savings on gas (77 percent in Minneapolis, 77 percent in San Diego).

"Oil dependence is a national security issue, and using innovative transportation policies that reduce our usage of petroleum must be part of any comprehensive energy security strategy," said Robbie Diamond, President and CEO of SAFE. "The results of these independent polls show widespread, bipartisan support for dynamic tolling, which will not only make it easier and faster for people to go where they want, but also help contribute to a more market-based, less oil-intensive transportation system."

The two polls were jointly conducted by Democratic pollster The Mellman Group, and Republican pollster Ayers, McHenry and Associates. Each poll surveyed 400 likely 2012 general election voters, and has a margin of error of +/-4.9 percent.

About Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE)
SAFE is a nonpartisan organization that aims to reduce America's dependence on oil and improve U.S. energy security to bolster national security and strengthen the economy. SAFE advocates for expanded domestic production of our energy resources, continued improvement in fuel efficiency, and in the long-term, severing our reliance on oil through the electrification of the transportation sector. In 2006, SAFE joined with General P.X. Kelley (Ret.), 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, and Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President, and CEO of FedEx Corporation, to form the Energy Security Leadership Council (ESLC), a group of business and former military leaders committed to reducing U.S. oil dependence.

Earlier this year, SAFE and the ESLC released Transportation Policies for America's Future, a comprehensive suite of policy recommendations designed to transform the nation's transportation policy and protect the nation's economic and national security by contributing to reduced oil consumption. The policies would result in a more market-oriented model that offers more consumer choices and provides Americans a more efficient, more effective network of roads and rails.

View the bipartisan polling memo from The Mellman Group Inc. and Ayers, McHenry and Associates, Inc.

View the complete results of the San Diego poll.

View the complete results of the Minneapolis poll.

SOURCE Securing America's Future Energy