Hhmm...maybe this would help the toll road

and they wouldn't have to keep increasing the fares by as much as they have! duh???

http://wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=650745

 

Actually, that's the Dulles Toll Road, the road that's from 66 to the Greed, er, Greenway, run by VDOT. If you read the article in today's Post, it says that the Greenway has installed working cameras, and they do go after cheats.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

Yes, Neil, I read the article I was actually referring to the Toll Rd. and not the Greedway, since their fares have gone up too, and I heard was also going to be going up again (not confirmed).

 

OK ... I agree with you there, but the rise on the Toll Road is a pittance compared to the Greedway ... just speck on the windshield, so to speak vs. a concrete block !!

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

I really feel bad for the Greenway operators; they can't afford to even man the stations outside of the toll plaza. It really is unfortunate that they aren’t making any money on such a needed highway. Maybe we can put a collection together for them and pass the hat around.




//This round of sarcasm was brought to you by the Greenway, robbing you blind no matter how much you use it.//

 

Just wait until they privatize the rest of it. and all the other roads in the dc area.

I am not so sure the road is not starting to make a bunch of money these days. It was in the beginning it was not doing well, and should of been in their projections when this road would start making a profit. Further why are all these private companies bidding on buying or building all these roads if they are not making money. I have not seen the original owner of the Greenway file for bankruptcy if things were so bad. The recent sale will bring this company a boatload of money and I am sure this was part of their original business plan to sell once they got this thing in the black.

Lee J Buividas

Lee J Buividas

 

I heard that news on WTOP this week -- I think there is going to be a few more violators in the coming days.

And with all the salt and muck on the roads those license plates are going to be difficult to read.

 

There needs to be a good organized boycott of the greenway ... they are sheisters and I can't beleive the state allows them to charge what they do, espcially for people like us, so close to rt28 already.

 

Think about what it would be like if the Greenway wasn't there.

 

Boycott a road that that you have a CHOICE to use or not?

Let a boycott actually happen 1 day and see what traffic is like on 7, 28 and Waxpool. That would end all future boycotts.

 

A boycott is probably the worst thing that could happen. I chose not to use it unless the situation deems it necessary. I probably use it less than 4 times a month. The 28 to Waxpool option is not bad.

As for the State, Richmond really doesn't care what happens to the citizens of NOVA. As long as thier money gets to them (from our pockets) in a timely manner, the state doesn't care one way or another about NOVA transpotation issues.

 

My position is growth must stop unless the roads and schools can be built just as needed not when they become a crisis.

Think about it more development usually adds more of the same, and never takes in account of the regional problems that it helps to aggravate not solve.

Second Federal Government salaries and ALL government contractor salaries should have a cap based on the national average not here locally, since the average American pays for this throw federal taxes. I think you would then see a decentralization of non essential services that do not have to be here locally, and spread nationally.

The average American should not have to subsidize pay and incentives so people can work here locally when most of these jobs could be spread to much cheaper areas nationally.

That would solve the housing crunch and road problems that have been artificially created here because of job creation here that is not necessary and is being funded by the average middle class here in the good old USA. Jobs need to be moved out of the Washington area not created here as long as they are being subsidized by taxpayers.

That will solve most of the local problems.

Just get rid of those fat***non productive jobs being paid by the taxpayer

Lee J Buividas

 

OK, if a boycott is wrong, then I guess you guys are all for the extravagant toll charges? What other options are the other than letting them continue gouging?

 

A boycott will only work if the thing being boycotted is the only game in town. IE: The black population in Birmingham in the 50's boycotting public transportation after Rosa Parks got arrested.

There are free alternatives that can be used and are being used, the Greenway is, and always has been, an expensive alternative to using the free roads. However, you'll always find people willing to use it, and the toll lanes being proposed for the beltway and other highways in the area.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

I guess I am thick because I still don't get the complaint.

As I understand it, the state was not planning a road where the Greenway now exists. So a private firm puts up the money and charges a toll to make their money back. It doesn't make too much money for a number of years but now that so many people have moved to Loudoun and continue to do so, it is not only being used, at times it is crowded.

I guess in the meantime, some other private firm or consortium has bought the road and is making what appears to be expensive improvements, adding a lane, etc. So naturally, the tolls have gone up.

So what is the complaint? The tolls are too high? Do any of us know the cost of the road and making improvements? I'm just asking.

When I lived over in Alexandria, I would have given my left arm for a toll road, especially one that was useful.

Maybe my scenario is flawed. If it is, I am sure someone on here will correct me and I welcome that. But I can say that my wife and I use the Greenway daily and am glad it is here. On the weekends we may take other roads and avoid the tolls. But during the week, it is "the only game in town" for us.

 

Yes, the toll is too high.... I think it's the highest cost per mile toll road I know of, especially for people closer to rt28. Even the rediculous prices of the northeast look reasonable compared to what we would have to pay.

PA turnpike $0.06/mile
NJ turnpike $0.04/mile ($5 for 118 miles)
Greenway $0.19/mile MINIMUM (all 14 miles), from Claiborne to 28 (5 miles) it's about ~$0.50/mile.

And no, I don't have a problem with a toll road in general, just the costs.

So go ahead and defend the people that are fleecing you =)

 

OK ... thinking about it more, I grant that it would be a boycott from the TRIP point of view. Lets look at it another way from the consumer's POV ... if you've never used the greenway, and you decide not to use it in the future that would not be a boycott. However, if you currently use the greenway, then stop, that would be a boycott in TRIP's view.

The thing is, as I mentioned, we've got people ready and willing to pay for 'Lexus Lanes' on the beltway, for a boycott to do anything to the Greenway, you would have to stop 40 to 50% of traffic from using it. Seriously doubt that will happen with the 'me first' attitude around here.

I use it as a matter of business, I can get to western Loudoun alot faster and I save gas by doing it.





Neil Z.
Resident since 1999