This research is a collaborative effort between the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and North Carolina State University's (NCSU) Institute for Transportation Research and Education. With North Carolina facing increasing transportation budget deficits, identifying reliable revenue-generating mechanisms is critical to maintaining the state's transportation infrastructure. Understanding public perceptions of both current and potential funding approaches is essential for NCDOT and other policymakers. The primary goal of this study is to analyze North Carolinians' views on transportation funding mechanisms while exploring the factors that shape these perceptions and their broader implications. Building on findings from previous studies conducted between 2019 and 2022, this research aims to deepen and expand the understanding of public attitudes toward transportation funding.
Through the continuation of a longitudinal survey and focus groups, several findings emerged regarding North Carolina residents' perceptions of transportation funding and electric vehicles. majority of respondents favored increasing transportation funding, with preferences leaning toward a general sales tax increase or mileage-based user fees (MBUFs). However, equity and practicality emerged as key issues, particularly regarding the impact of these measures on rural and low-income populations. Public attitudes toward EVs reflected a mix of optimism and skepticism. While 60% of respondents viewed EVs as the future of transportation, many expressed reservations about charging infrastructure, high upfront costs, and environmental trade-offs associated with battery production and disposal.
