Greenway Toll Increase?

Does anyone know the status regarding the greedy owners' plan to increase tolls on the Greenway?

 

I believe its still on the request list, and, according to them, its a contingent request. That is, they may not raise tolls, but they do want to have the approval available.

It all depends whether or not you want to pay for convenience.

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

I have to disagree with that. The Greenway bisects Loudoun in such a way that the only way to get east is to take Waxpool, 7 or the Greenway. Until the LCP is finished all the way to 50 it's just not easy to get around. Thankfully the Greenway will revert back to State control sometime and hopefully then the tolls will come in line with the Dulles Toll rd.

 

This is probably an unpopular view but I support an increase. The toll road is too crowded as it is now and a toll increase might actually thin out the traffic a little.

 

You're right. That is an unpopular view[]. I doubt that would keep the traffic down. Much of that traffic is from WVa and Maryland going thru. I think most people would just pay the toll. The question is when does it stop? How high is too high? I think its current rate is too high.

 

I think that is</u> an unpopular view. Public floggings, anyone?

I don't understand the need for the disproportionate toll on that road, as compared to the toll on the Dulles Toll Road. The entire Greenway is only about 10-15 miles long; how is a toll of that size warranted?

 

My theory is that they are trying to make up the money they put into before they hand over to the State. Don't know when that is though.

 

The term highway robbery comes to mind......

Still, it's not a bad price to pay for the time that is saved in my opinion. If we could limit the people who can use it to us Loudoun residents, the problem would be solved.

 

If you think traffic is bad now, imagine what it would be like if we get the stadium. The toll road will be a mess.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52975-2004May24.html

 

That was my first thought when I heard about the stadium. I would be surprised if we actually got the team, though. Seems like DC is the frontrunner...

Edit: Actually, I just read the article. This is the first I heard that the Dulles site was a "top contender."

All I can say is that they BETTER include Metro expansion as "part and parcel" of the stadium if we get the team. If that were to happen, I would actually support the stadium at Dulles. IMO, the Metro expansion would outweigh the problems caused by the stadium.

 

hmmm... Ashburn Expos, that sounds good! It would be nice to have our own baseball team (be it in DC or Northern VA), rather than drive all the way to Baltimore

 

I saw this in an article in the Post a few months back. Haven't seen anything official about it but it said the Greenway was built with the same philosophy as the HOT lanes. Let private build, make their money back and then hand off. Maybe VDOT would know.

 

The Greenway will transfer to the state in 2036 which is 40 years
from when it was built per the agreement the developer made with
the state. I called The Greenway and they told me that they did
not know of any specific state plans for the road after it is
transferred. I suppose you could find out more by calling
VDOT.

Obviously the builders of the Greenway are trying to make a profit.
They invested millions to build it so why shouldn't they? The
real question is whether private companies should build toll
roads or whether state and federal tax money should be spent to
build them. Either way we pay. It may seem less painful to let
the taxes pay for the roads but either way somebody foots the bill.
Some argue that those who use the roads should pay with tolls.
I believe that taxes and developer fees should pay for non-toll
public highways. Can you imagine if every highway was a toll road?
What a nightmare.

I read in the Post recently that the Greenway claims they have not
yet recouped their investment but I have no idea how we can verify
that. In any case they have 32 more years to make a profit and
with all the development going on here they surely will.

FYI they have a VIP program for frequent riders which provides
rebates depending on how many trips you make a year. All you
need is your Smart Tag transponder number to sign up at:
http://www.dullesgreenway.com/cgi-bin/dgvip.cfm
It is not alot but provides some relief for those of us who
use the road regularly.

Limiting the road to Loudoun residents sounds ridiculous to me.
What if you travelled to another state and couldn't use a highway
because it was exclusively for local residents? The only backups
I see on the Greenway are at the tolls and some exits in rush
hour. Lots of people = lots of traffic. We need a BOS that will
limit residential development if we don't want it to get worse.

Skins fan

 

Problem is that they will be a National League team. I will not be able to see my beloved Red Sox close to home! WAAAH!

 

I appreciate everyone's input.

I think the answer to my question was..."request list, and, according to them, its a contingent request. That is, they may not raise tolls, but they do want to have the approval available."

May I assume that I should contact the State Corporation Commission to find out???? Or the Greenway directly????

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

 

Try emailing them directly at info@dullesgreenway.com

 

Not everyone that travels the toll road/greenway lives here so why require everyone to have a speed pass just to make your trip 5 minutes shorter? Traffic everywhere is caused in part by people ill equipped to drive, it's not just limited to toll booths. The traffic slow down before 28 is caused by the loss of the 3rd and left lane which just happens to be used by all people that take the right exit to 28. It just boggles my mind that these people drive this route every day and still act like it's their first time behind the wheel.