The transition could take years. The new
owners would probably implant electronic devices on or inside the surface of
the streets, roads, and bridges. Owners of vehicles would be required to install
corresponding electronics. The road’s owner would then know that your car has been
on that road or that bridge. She would also know the vehicle’s weight, the weather
condition, and the time of day and would charge your bank account or credit
card accordingly. Charges would increase if you drive during busy commuter
hours. Some roads would probably be freebies.
An owner would set the rules of the road
and could either set up a police force or pay a government police force.
The primary cause of road deterioration is
heavy trucks. But the trucking companies avoid most of the road-repair costs. The
federal, state, and local governments pay, adding to tax bills. If the roads
were sold to private parties, taxes would fall, and the charges paid by the truckers
would be realistic.
Higher trucking costs would mean fewer
trucks. But more goods could then be carried by rail. On long trips, rail is cheaper
than trucks, causing the prices of goods to fall as well.
Privatizing the roads would set prices
according to costs. We’d enjoy better roads and save money to boot.
