Knowing About Memphis Part 5- Worker Commuting Into Memphis

This week Edmund Ford proposed an auto inspection fee for residents of Memphis and non-resident who come into the city 3 or more times a week regularly. Here is the article in the CA . I like this idea as a starting point but I do not think it is ambitious enough. Since the city is able to create a database of drivers entering the city, it can also determine when these drivers are entering the city. This is important because rather than a flat fee applied to everyone for inspection, you charge an additional congestion tax. Drivers who regularly enter the city during peak traffic times (6:30 to 9 am) Monday through Friday are disproportionately contributing to road congestion and air pollution. The city's data collection system will also give information on the type of car is driven. If you drive Chevy Suburban into the city, not only should you get the flat fee and congestion tax, you should also get a heavy vehicle tax. This helps pay for the road repair done to Memphis streets. The heavier the car the more it contributes potholes and infrastructure wear and tear. It is only fair those drivers be held responsible for their personal choices in vehicle type. Here are some maps and charts showing commute times and how many people come to work in Memphis from various communities.

Arlington

Bartlett

Collierville

Germantown

Hornlake

Lakeland

Millington

Olive Branch

Southaven

West Memphis

Just running a quick calculation of how many people from these surrounding communities work in Memphis show over 24,500 people. That is 24,500 new City of Memphis tax payers.