Mileage chips may replace Mass. gas tax

(WWLP) - The GPS chip the state is thinking about installing in vehicles to track their mileage has been tested with positive results in Oregon, but the idea is blasted as "Orwellian" by some opponents.

The idea behind the chip is that as cars become more fuel efficient, gas tax revenues will drop, and charging drivers for the miles they put on state roads is seen as fair way to pay for them.

The GPS system in Oregon doesn't allow real-time tracking of the vehicle, though it still measures distance traveled.

Opponents are blasting Governor Patrick's idea to equip cars with GPS chips to tax people according to the miles they drive.

Governor Patrick's proposing a plan that calls for these chips to replace the gas tax in 2014.

More decisions are expected this week.