SALEM, OR -- The state Department of Transportation said a driver’s smartphone may someday be used to compute how much road maintenance tax that driver pays.  ODOT is looking for ways to replace the gasoline tax and will begin a pilot program using smartphones help track mileage that could be reported to the government for a tax assessment.  The Oregonian reports the idea will be tested this fall using state legislators and transportation commissioners.  With so many hybrids and more fuel-efficient vehicles on Oregon roadways, a task force is looking into alternatives to the fuel tax.

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