GPS in cars increasing in use

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071115/D8SU9CCO1.html?45

"GPS tracking devices installed on government-issue vehicles are
helping communities around the country reduce waste and abuse, in part
by catching employees shopping, working out at the gym or otherwise
loafing while on the clock.

The use of GPS has led to firings, stoking complaints from employees
and unions that the devices are intrusive, Big Brother technology. But
city officials say that monitoring employees' movements has deterred
abuses, saving the taxpayers money in gasoline and lost productivity."

....

"It's growing by leaps and bounds," said Chris Ransom of Networkcar,
one of the country's leading providers of GPS systems. "I'd say we're
seeing double-digit growth among the municipalities, whether it's
statewide or down to the local county."

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So, to those who think this isn't the way that highway taxes will
eventually be collected, I suggest you think again. It always starts
with the public vehicles and gradually spreads to the private sector.
Perhaps initially there will be a lower rate for those who install GPS
in their vehicles vs an odometer tax, or a rebate for some of their
gas tax money paid at the pump. Then all new cars will be required to
have them. Eventually all vehicles will have them and revenue
collection will be based on your mileage (and destination) that you
travelled.

It will come; certainly faster than putting tolls on uncontrolled
surface roads, for sure.

John Lansford, PE
--
John's Shop of Wood
http://wood.jlansford.net/
.

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