Tempers are getting HOT in Northern Virginia over the proposed High Occupancy Toll lanes on I-95 and I-395.
The HOT lane project would let passenger-less drivers pay a toll in order to cruise down the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes that are currently reserved for those with three or more people in a car. Virginia has already allocated $2 billion for HOT lanes for building 14 miles of the lanes on the Beltway near the Springfield Interchange, promising drivers willing to pay a premium for “a faster, more predictable trip.”
The cost of the lanes will change with the flow of traffic. Two companies, Flour and Transurban, will own the Beltway HOT lanes for their first 80 years. The price will go as high as $6 in heavy traffic, declining as demand does. The companies say lane prices will change every six minutes, with drivers paying whatever the fee was at time of entry.
GO HERE to read more.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Just another reason NOT to live on the western shore.
ReplyDeleteHow is it that a private company gets to lease the lanes for private, when the taxpayers have already shouldered the majority burden of building them? And if we need more money for infrastructure, why is it that we can't keep the money for ourselves? A private business will not only maintain the road but also take a profit. While we could keep that profit in the coffers for more improvements. Sounds like a stupid decision to me.
ReplyDeleteThose private companies are located where!
ReplyDeleteAm I reading that right?? Taxpayers get clocked for a cool 2 billion dollars and then our government lets them have it for the next 80 YEARS ---- and ---- charge taxpayers to use it??? And does anyone think the toll amts they SAY they will charge are REALLY the actual charge?? I lived and work in the DC area for years...they lie like its their paid job....oh wait--- they're POLITICIANS!! It IS their job to lie...(see: Wicomico County)
ReplyDelete