Texas Rebellion Against Privatization

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Originally posted by MDC
[br]Some "solution"... Beyond allowing people with "excess" income to commute faster, I don't see how this helps anything. If, as postulated here that "free for HOV" is not feasible, it would make the traffic situation much worse. I also wonder how many hybrid drivers will opt to ride a bus instead of driving solo? Imagine the environmental impact of 10,000 hybrids suddenly adding to the regular lane congestion.

What if there aren't enough people willing to pay $500(using $25 each way x 20 days) per month to drive in them? Ever heard of the term albatros? A giant, mocking, albatros at that.

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The solution is two-fold. First, VA legislators get to go back to the taxpayer well for additional funding for road projects, only these tax revenues are disguised as "usage fees." It makes that bitter pill go down more smoothly when they avoid the "T" word. Second, VA legislators look like heros for providing "commuting options" and finding "innovative revenue sources" while promoting "public-private partnerships" all the while seemingly avoiding new taxes. Do you see the spin yet? Its a snow job and we (you and I, fellow taxpayers) are getting burried!

Whatever profit is generated will first go to wealthy investors around the world for many many years. Then, if and when the HOT companies and their cronies in Richmond decide it, they may add some pavement. Don't hold your breath.

Some "solution"... Beyond allowing people with "excess" income to commute faster, I don't see how this helps anything. If, as postulated here that "free for HOV" is not feasible, it would make the traffic situation much worse. I also wonder how many hybrid drivers will opt to ride a bus instead of driving solo? Imagine the environmental impact of 10,000 hybrids suddenly adding to the regular lane congestion.

What if there aren't enough people willing to pay $500(using $25 each way x 20 days) per month to drive in them? Ever heard of the term albatros? A giant, mocking, albatros at that.

FYI. It seems the Stafford County Supervisors buy into the HOT lanes as "the only solution" to NOVA's traffic problems. Got this from one supervisor last week in a discussion. Was a point of disagreement betwixt us.


NoSb

SOV because you can, HOV because you care!

Folks, Pay attention to what is happening in Texas! This is a preview of what is happening here in NOVA...

The Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC), which includes plans to build so-called "public-private partnerships" that are very similar to the Flour-Transurban HOT deal here in NOVA, would involve at least three major Texas interstates and several bridges. This plan sells the rights to charge tolls to foriegn investment groups who commit to building and maintaining the roads, thus taking these public roads out of the public domain (sound familiar?).

It has so much political steam behind it that, despite the efforts of several groups, including the trucking industry, public interest groups, property owners and other grass roots organizations, it may very well be pushed through. Yes folks, this means that despite what the populace wants, despite what many would consider common sense red flags, despite objections and outcries from well-funded industries, many politicians (at least those with the power) have latched on to this as a solution.

In fact, legislation aimed at establishing a moriturium on further construction on the TTC, SB792 and HB1892, passed in the state legislative houses almost unanimously, and still are threatened by a Governor's veto.

Please read more about this at: http://www.corridorwatch.org/ttc/index.htm

This is what I mean when I say, "HOT is HIGHWAY ROBBERY!"


Edit by MDC: Fixed link :)