Texas Rebellion Against Privatization

It seems like some lawmakers admit tolls are destined to fail in the long run.

Take a look at this article on the Texas toll rebellion and their concern about non-compete clauses. We cann look to Texas to see where we will be in a few years.

http://tollroadsnews.info/artman/publish/article_1773.shtml

If you scroll down that last link, you'll notice that the bottom article references the NAFTA Superhighway. That's the one side of the argument - some people trying to make a buck. The other side is the NIMBY crowd.

Having lived down there, and still going there on occasion, I'm with the NIMBY crowd. No one needs to spoil the openness of the Kerrville/Fredericksburg area...

That said, anyone been down there lately and seen the congestion on 35? Road size has doubled in the past 10-15 years (between San Antonio and Austin anyway) and it's getting more congested all the time.

NEW YORK THRUWAY AUTHORITY (NYSTA)

Perhaps someone has some insight into the formation of NYSTA (circa 1946). In my mind, this is THE most successful toll road. There are also some toll bridges that are good, but for a major highway, NYSTA is tops in my book.

NYSTA is worth a look see for historical interest if not how to model a toll system of roads.

Where is Robert Moses when you really need him?

dickboyd@aol.com

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 :)