Why Europe Pays Tolls (And America Hides the Cost)
82K views · Sep 6, 2026 · Science & Technology
Comments · 247
@berglt · 3 weeks ago
Ironically, we have socialism when it comes to our roads in the US.
145
@jeffkunce8501 · 3 weeks ago
Wait! European business execs can go to jail when their company defrauds the government and endangers citizens? Don't they know that personal responsibility isn't required for rich people?
155
@sarahequestrian4833 · 3 weeks ago
In Europe, the tolls also make more people use public transport
200
@mikedamat · 3 weeks ago (edited)
Americans will scream until they're red in the face about how "there's no such thing as free healthcare" but when it comes to highways and parking lots they're all for socialism
48
@st-ex8506 · 3 weeks ago (edited)
The French highway toll is NOT 18 euro cents per km, but between 9 and 13, depending on which highway you are traveling. It is generally linked to the cost of building it, with highways going through mountainous terrain, with multiple tunnels and bridges being more expensive than the ones on flat terrain.
74
@yellowajah · 3 weeks ago
If Europe is doing something different to America when it comes to transport, it's usually a good sign they're doing it right.<br><br>In this case: we dont shy away from incurring actual costs onto drivers, rather than leaving everyone else to pick up the bill. Congestion costs more than time to the drivers. It ruins the zone for everyone.
51
@xouxoful · 3 weeks ago (edited)
In France the autoroutes came with toll from the beginning, so that’s why it was more acceptable. But the state was legally required to maintain decent free road alternative (usually the pre-existing national road).<br>So you chose between the old slow road and the new freeway.
47
@1CAG-if9qj · 3 weeks ago
Not every country in Europe has toll roads.
50
@noctav · 3 weeks ago
well, not everywhere in Europe. it depends on the country.
6
@prpr8904 · 2 weeks ago
Me a german, not having any tolls on personal vehicles . . .
3
@tarraknyc · 3 weeks ago
Car owners and house owners of the suburbs are leveraged to the max (house poor). They don’t have extra $50 for parking or tolls. And they have gotten used to city dwellers subsidizing them.
22
@Arus_战巡 · 3 weeks ago (edited)
Those "highways" in the US are pretty much just faster city urban roads.<br><br>No dedicated service areas, and no enclosure to prevent pedestrians and wild animals from getting on.<br>In 2017, I was on the way to St. Louis airport at midnight, the van almost hit a deer on the highway.
7
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