The State of Oregon on July 1 kicked off a new pay-by-the-mile road usage charge program. This program charges volunteer users 1.5 cents per mile while driving in Oregon and allows them to receive credit on their bill for state gas tax paid at the pump, according to a release from the Department of Transportation.

The state created the OReGO program to address the reduced amount of fuel taxes collected as more hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles are driven on roads. The state’s fuel tax revenue leaves less available each year for highway maintenance and construction.

“Oregon and other states know that the gas tax drivers pay at the pump isn't cutting it anymore,” ODOT Director Matthew Garrett said. “As newer cars squeeze more miles out of each gallon of gas, and more hybrid and all-electric vehicles are sold, paying for road use by the mile instead of by the gallon ensures that everyone pays their fair share — no more, no less.”

Drivers can track their mileage using a non-GPS device, Sanef/IMS, which only reports miles driven and fuel consumption, or they can use GPS-enabled devices from Azuga and Verizon Telematics.

The state has already conducted two pilot projects to test road usage charging. According to the DOT, several states — including Washington, California, Idaho, and Colorado — are considering similar pay-by-the-mile road usage charge systems.

Enrollment opened July 1. The program is currently limited to 5,000 cars and light-duty commercial vehicles statewide. Participants can enroll at myOReGO.org. Participants will be asked for feedback and suggestions for program improvement.