NewsChannel 21 logs miles in OReGO program

The Oregon Department of Transportation’s road usage charge program “OReGO” hasn’t seen the turnout that it hoped for.

“Whatever the level of participation, it all helps us to determine if road usage charging is something that is going to be in Oregon’s long term future,” ODOT Public Information Officer Michelle Godfrey said Monday.

Initially, ODOT aimed for 5,000 volunteers to sign up. Currently, it has about 900 The program was launched in July , and NewsChannel 21 signed up our “Gas Up and Go” vehicle.

ODOT charges the user 1.5 cents per mile while enrolled in the program. The vendor records the miles driven, multiplies that by the per-mile charge, and subtracts the current gas tax (about 30 cents) multiplied by gallons used.

Fortunately, the online profile displays a statement, with the math completed for the user. The end result will let one know if he or she owes or is credited money to or from the state.

In July, NewsChannel 21 drove 1,300 miles and was charged $3.90. The month of August, the car logged 1,400 miles, for a charge of $4.20. The final month of September recorded 1,112 miles anda charge of $3.34.

ODOT will use data such as this to determine more about the OReGO program.

“Things such as what are the proper rates to set, and does the same rate apply to all drivers or are there different rates for different types of vehicles,” Godfrey explained.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.myorego.org