Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Taxes for roads...


Looks like I went car-free at a good time - according to the news, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority will be collecting new taxes and fees to raise money for major road and transit projects in Northern VA as of 1/1/08...

  • Car inspection fee: $10 increase

  • Auto repairs: 5 percent of labor costs

  • Regional car registration fee: $10

  • Initial car registration fee: 1 percent of value of car

Not a lot collected, but every buck counts...!

Along with the new fare hikes on Metro this week, I am thankful for my bike and Zipcar for transportation!

5 comments:

Cycle Jerk said...

Yikes! Glad I live in Maryland and commute to work. 1% of the value of the car is no chump change, of course in that respect MD is worse.
I dig the blog. Looks like you are off to a good start.

avocadoinparadise said...

This is a cool blog. A couple of questions for ya. How did you find out about that great zipcar offer to waive your membership fee? I would like to join but think it's too much to have to pay fees to apply, join, and then fees to rent the cars.

Also, how much do those cool folding bikes run? I checked out the website and they look awesome but must be expensive since there are no prices listed on the site.

I applaud your car-freeness. I got rid of my car when I moved into DC and have done fine without it. I find actual rental cars useful once in a while but usually walk or bike places, take the metro, or ride with friends.

Cars are not needed, despite the propaganda we constantly see.

AM said...

Just discovered your blog. I just moved to DC from L.A. and decided not to bring my car. It has been quite an adjustment; I practically lived in my Honda back home. I sometimes get frustrated by pub. trans., and I'm too wary of DC drivers to ride a bike so, I hoof it most places. I kind of hate it at times but it helps to read about other people getting by fine w/o a car. I'll be following your progress with much interest. Good luck and congratulations on your new car-less life!

Angel said...

Hi Charmaine! Just wanted to say 'Hello!' and let you know I watched Fox news' coverage on you. Very exciting! Wanted to leave you a comment on your other blog but thought I'd just do it here. I'm still riding myself but I'm not quite a year-round commuter like you are. Right now I'm spending my bike time on a trainer but at least my husband and I are carpooling to work which is nice. Keep it up and I'll be checking in!

gwadzilla said...

I am not car free...
but I have commuted via bicycle for decades

glad to see you can make it happen