No... The point of rationing and taxing automobile fuel is not to set up profit opportunities for urban dwellers and such. They already get subsidized transport via bus and subway systems. And it is not to provide subsistence to retirees either.

Allowing a secondary market in "rations" defeats the goal which is reducing fuel use. Let's keep it simple.

Yes, when gasoline gets to $3.50/gallon; let us add an extra $1.50 gallon tax and use the money for such things as:

1) Higher food stamps and rental assistance for the working poor (take $ out of one pocket but put it back into the other)
2) Reduced Medicare premiums (likewise for retirees)
3) Reduced Payroll taxes (likewise for workers)
4) Building out Urban Rail
5) Reduced (Federal $ to local jurisdictions) property taxes for low energy TOD areas.
6) Eliminate property taxes on railroads that electricify
7) Renewable energy generation subsidies such as wind, geothermal, solar, hydro.

$5/gallon at the pump will change some behaviors (and is impossible politically). But it is simple and will work.

Best Hopes,

Alan