[khebab]

In my opinion, tax incentive is an important way to proactively push people toward using more efficient ways of transportation. Here, two different approaches:

Quebec Approach

Quebec considers tax deductions for transit users
December 8, 2004

In a bid to reduce pollution and traffic congestion, Quebec may become the first province in Canada to make transit passes tax deductible.

In an interview with the Montreal Gazette, Quebec Environment Minister Thomas Mulcair said the provincial government is actively examining the move.

Mulcair also indicated that the federal government should follow Quebec's lead.

Currently, a transit pass in Montreal costs $59 a month, or $708 a year, which could add up to a significant tax deduction.

src:
Quebec considers tax deductions for transit users
The Montreal Gazette

US Approach

A 1997 provision in the U.S. tax code (Section 179) provided small businesses with a tax write-off of up to $25,000 for a vehicle weighing more than 6,000 pounds. The original intent behind this provision was to encourage investments in pickup trucks, minivans, and other needed service vehicles.

Bigger Breaks
Prius vs. Hummer
_________ _____________Toyota Prius Hummer H1
Base Price_________________$20,500 $102,581
Deductions
Capital equipment___________0______100,000
Post-Setember 11 bonus______4,600__744.30
Base first-year depreciation____3,060___367.34
Clean fuel vehicle deduction____2,000____0
Total first year deductions_____$9,660 $101,111.64

src: Tax Incentives SUV Loophole vs. Clean Vehicle Credits

[Bytesmiths]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('khebab', 'A') 1997 provision in the U.S. tax code (Section 179) provided small businesses with a tax write-off of up to $25,000 for a vehicle weighing more than 6,000 pounds.