What Gives at 234?

RLD: I'm sure you probably understand microeconomics, but I'll use extreme examples of supply and demand to make it easier for others. Let's say that the total cost of the toll per trip is a penny. Under those circumstances, there is no advantage or disadvantage to taking the express lanes. Now assume the total cost of the toll per trip is one hundred dollars (Sponge, that's twice what you offered half a year ago). Under those circumstances, very few are in the express lanes. In between those amounts is where the control lies to manage the flow. Currently, the express lanes move about 25-35 mph faster than the regular lanes (just look to your right during the commute). The management of the toll can change that speed difference to zero, 65 mph, or 10 mph.

A couple of questions for you:
= how is the flow managed today? Wouldn't you say that it is really unmanaged?
= how many buses going into DC do you think should stop by your commuter lot once the tolls start

Don't pay attention to NoSUV on this topic Sheepish. She/he can only say two things; HOT or banning regular cars from HOV lanes. At least, we, slugs and drivers, are doing something to reduce congestion.

Actually, HOT makes a whole lot of sense. Even with the rise in gas prices, the congestion on the regular lanes hasn't significantly decreased. That should tell us that gas isn't a variable for those SOV or HOV-2 cars (95/395), and the rise in # slugs comes from drivers who were picking up slugs. To balance the OVERALL congestion, there has to be a "fair" way to get some of those cars in the regular lanes into the Express (HOV) lanes. The 2 ways that come to mind are hybrid exemption (already in use but set to expire) or HOT. Without extending the exemption, HOT becomes the best option.

It's not just about slugs - it's about the total commuting problem.

I have avoided the 234 lot due to it being full very early in the morning. If there are an abundance of riders waiting that are heading to the Pentagon, then I am glad to hear that information! It will save me even more time picking up riders from there a little later, so I won't have to head up to a northern lot...and I won't be expecting a tip!

"No money is exchanged because of the mutual benefit: the car driver needs riders just as much as the slugs need a ride."

If more people decide to start riding and stop driving due to gas prices, then great! There will always be those that have to drive for whatever reasons... and if more SOVs start picking up slugs just think --the volume of people per car increases, getting more people to work faster, which has the potential of decreasing the number of cars using the main lanes too.

It's this slugging/mass transportation "culture" that we need to educate and persuade folks to utilize rather than get forced into a HOT lane situation! This whole notion of introducing "tipping" into the slug system is just preposterous! It's just another form of HOT and the acronym I give it is SHOTT defined: Slugs High Occupancy Tip Toll.

Don't forget everyone-- HOT means Toll 24x7! No more free rides for ANY SOV outside current HOV restriction times. Yes, evenings, middle of the day, and weekends!!!!!

Attend the VDOT Advisory Panel meeting Sept. 21st. It's the only VDOT meeting that was scheduled to include public comments!! Say NO to HOT! Get your opinion heard!

Tell them to go to Horner...There is a mile long line of riders there