Pennsylvania's Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch says he doesn't know how much of a proposed wholesale gas tax would get passed on to consumers, but he suggests the cost is cheaper than sitting on congested roadways.

Schoch took questions from Senate Transportation Committee members on Tuesday. It was lawmakers' first chance to quiz him on Gov. Tom Corbett's plan to generate more than $5 billion over five years to improve roads, bridges and mass transit services.

The plan involves raising taxes on fuel that gas stations buy. The governor wants to phase in the increase in three parts, although some senators suggest that more money is needed more quickly.

If the entire tax is passed on to consumers, Schoch said it will cost the average motorist $2 per week.