HOT Lane Action Alert

So, it's apparent that these recent meetings have been a sham.

Is there something we can all do in the Slugging community that can actually make a difference? I've written to the Governor and VDOT commissioner in the past and received friendly responses, but obviously not taken seriously.

I recall reading someone's post that said we are not effective as a group. I've been to the earlier meetings, and I've noticed that there weren't that many people present relative to the number of slugs and drivers. Good or bad, this slug system is not based on strong common ties. But for the sake of keeping it alive, can we possibly protest HOT en masse? The media might take notice, investigate, and possibly fight for our cause. It's obvious that something shady is going on.

Is it too late to do something about HOT? I just recently started reading stuff on this site, and apologize if these thoughts have already been stated.

Sluggers. Here is the alert that we sent out from the Coalition for Smarter Growth. We need proof from VDOT, Fluor and Transurban that they won't completely undermine the successful HOV and bus service.

ACTION ALERT: Oppose I-95/395 High Occupancy Toll Lanes – HOV/Bus Service at Risk

There are too many concerns about the I-95/395 HOT lanes that are not being answered by VDOT. Secrecy of these deals must end.

1) The End of HOV: HOT lanes could add too much traffic to the existing HOV lanes. This, plus the willingness of people to pay, could mean the end of HOV and slugging in the corridor. This means more cars, more traffic and more air pollution.

2) Traffic Bottlenecks: More traffic will also create traffic bottlenecks at destinations like the Pentagon, Crystal City and downtown DC.

3) Giveaway to Private Company: This is a long-term giveaway of a taxpayer asset to private companies, Fluor (US) and Transurban (Australia). The private companies are making a minimal investment, such as re-striping lanes and adding a couple of ramps, yet getting a cash-cow for decades.

4) Secret Deal: We have no idea what sort of deal the taxpayers are getting because of the secrecy of negotiations under the Public-Private Transportation Act. The public never saw the Dulles Rail contract with another big construction company, Bechtel, until AFTER it was signed, and then never saw the critical financial information.

5) Failure to Analyze All Alternatives: VDOT is proposing to Categorically Exclude the HOT lanes from a full environmental impact study, which means they do not have to look at a range of other alternatives including expanding HOV, bus service and VRE service in the corridor.

6) Private Profit will be more important than HOV or Transit Service and Performance: Toll rates will be driven by profit, not by overall success of all modes in the corridor (HOV, Bus, and VRE). Profits will be unknown to the public, so we cannot know how much the companies should be paying to fund transit service in the corridor or what are fair toll rates.

7) VDOT Building HOT Network without Public Debate: VDOT has plans to toll most major highways in the region to build a network of HOT lanes. The public has never been given all of the information on cost, performance, or the benefits of alternative approaches.

There is simply too little information and too much risk to the nation’s most successful HOV (slugging) and transit corridor. We recommend that you oppose the I-95/395 HOT lane proposal.



SS