IBTTA Welcomes the Focus on Transportation Approach From the EU Commissioner-Designate for Transportation Mr. Maros Sefcovic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 1, 2014
CONTACT: Kristofer Eisenla, Luna Eisenla Media
[email protected] | 202-670-5747 (mobile)

WASHINGTON, DC – As federal, state and local governments in the United States struggle over how best to invest in our the nation’s transportation infrastructure, the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association representing toll facility owners and operators and the businesses that serve them in 20 countries, recognizes the clarity and vision set forth by Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner-designate for Transport and Space, during his hearing before the Transportation Committee of the European Parliament in Brussels.

Mr. Sefcovic said transportation and mobility form the backbone of modern society, foster economic growth and create jobs. Answering questions from the European Parliament’s members about his vision for EU transportation policy and sustainability, he said, “In road transport, the application of differentiated distance-based charges - tolls - is a fair and efficient way forward. I will examine whether initiatives in this area are necessary and useful. Using market-based instruments, which would not only send the appropriate price signals to users but also generate additional revenues to be invested in infrastructure, would help building and maintaining infrastructure.” To view Mr. Sefcovic’s full remarks please click here.

“This was a very interesting and promising speech from Commissioner-designate Sefcovic, with a clear focus on the key role played by infrastructure and transportation in our economy and society,” said Emanuela Stocchi, Responsible for International Affairs for Associazione Italiana Società Concessionarie Autostrade e Trafori (AISCAT) and Second Vice President-Elect of IBTTA.

“Commissioner-designate Sefcovic’s remarks on road transportation support IBTTA’s belief that tolling is a fair and efficient tool, one proven funding option in the toolbox for maintaining, building and reconstructing road infrastructure around the world,” said Patrick D. Jones, Executive Director and CEO of IBTTA. “There are no free roads.  While not appropriate in every circumstance, toll financing is one of the tools that can allow projects to be completed sooner and at a lower cost compared with projects that rely on tax appropriations that may extend over many years or even decades.”

In 2013, IBTTA launched Moving America Forward, a public awareness campaign that highlights the benefits of tolling to elected officials at all levels, policymakers, the media, and the general public. For additional information on IBTTA’s Moving America Forward campaign, including fact sheets, background documents and other materials about tolling and the industry, please click here.

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About IBTTA
The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them. Founded in 1932, IBTTA has members in more than 20 countries on six continents. Through advocacy, thought leadership and education, members are implementing state-of-the-art, innovative user-based transportation financing solutions to address the critical infrastructure challenges of the 21st century. For more information, visit www.ibtta.org or join us on Twitter @IBTTA or #TollRoads.