Public input on proposed Dulles Toll Road Inc

I received the following email today- a great opportunity for us to voice our opinion!!!
(I think it is strange that they did not give directions via the greenway from Leesburg, since it is the most direct route)

PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR

PROPOSED 25-CENT TOLL INCREASE ON DULLES TOLL ROAD

What: The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will consider a 25-cent toll increase on the Dulles Toll road during its February meeting in Richmond. The proposed toll increase would help fund part of Virginia's share to build the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. The CTB invites the public to share comments during its workshop and meeting.

When and where: 3 p.m., Feb. 16, 2005 at the following locations:
Northern Virginia (location for people to participate by videoconference)
VDOT District Office at 14685 Avion Parkway, Chantilly
Directions
From the Capital Beltway: Take I-66 West for 8 miles and exit at Route 50 West. Continue on Route 50 for approximately 7 miles and turn right onto Stonecroft Boulevard and right on Avion Parkway. Take your second right to access VDOT s parking lot.

From Leesburg: Take Route 7 East to Route 28 South to Route 50 West. Go to the third traffic light and turn right onto Stonecroft Boulevard and right on Avion Parkway. Take your second right to access VDOT s parking lot.

Richmond (location of CTB workshop and meeting)
VDOT Central Office Auditorium at 1221 E. Broad St., Richmond
Directions
From the north: Take I-95 South toward Richmond. Take exit number 74C (Broad Street). VDOT Central Office is on your left as soon as you exit onto Broad Street. Metered parking and private parking is available on Broad Street.

From the south: Take I-95 North toward Richmond. Take exit number 74C toward US 33/ Broad St./U.S. 250. Take the U.S. 33 W. Broad St./U.S. 250 west ramp toward the State Capitol/Coliseum and you'll see VDOT offices on your left.

(Note: Presentation of the proposed toll increase will begin at 3 p.m., followed by public comments.)
Other public comment opportunities: While comments will be taken during the workshop on Feb. 16, the public may also provide comments prior to the CTB meeting on the following morning, 9 a.m., Feb. 17 at the Richmond location above. The public may also e-mail their comments by going to www.VirginiaDOT.org <http://www.virginiadot.org/>

 

here's an idea: how about people that take the train fund the metrorail project or, get the greenway sheisters to pay for it, since they charge ungodly amounts to drive from dulles to leesburg..

 

I wouldn't authorize another penny to the Greedway without getting something out of it. Here's a novel idea, get them to charge for miles used, rather than an outrageous flat rate.

Also, I've heard they have begun the process of adding an additional lane to both sides. Sounds like that's the real reason they want more money. More capacity, more cars, more revenue.

 

afgm - I believe that this is for the toll road segment and not the greenway.

 

I heard it in reference to the walk/bike path connection between Broadlands and Ashburn Farm. Heresay, but seemed reliable.

 

Aflat rate would be great and I don't think they would lose money. They would probably break even with the increased usage they would see. But then again the Greedway are 'slash and burn' types who actually said "we would come back when we understand the value of our time" about the outrageous increase. And they are right, with Loudoun helping them by clogging up every atery out of Ashburn with lights, the only way out quickly is the Greedway.

 

Folks, as said earlier, this proposal is for the Dulles Toll Road from Route 28 to the Capital Beltway. The Toll Road is a state road and unrelated to the Greenway except that they share a route number (VA 267) and connect into each other.

I drive both the Toll Road and Greenway all the way into DC and back every day, and I'll pay whatever is needed to get rail built out here fast!

 

Ok, I got it. I was confused, the $.25 is for the Toll Road. (should of read the whole thing)

I do think the Greedway is putting in for lane additions, as stated, in reference to the pathway.

 

I know its for the toll road but I couldn't resist a chance to bash the greedway and agree with AFGM at the same time. It's like a celestial event.

To be on topic. I would pay the .25 cents to get the metro here.

 

Boomer - I totally agree with you - why should those of us that choose to drive have to pay for Metro. BTW - Metro can't get me to my work anyways - not without 2 connections on a bus making my commute longer than traveling by car.

I can guarantee the state would not be adding tolls if they didnt already exist. This is an easy way for them to raise money and not affect everyone in the corridor. At least if they dinged everyone with some sort of additional "tax" I would feel better that everyone was paying not just commuters.

Some alternate transportation options might be nice but let those that choose to ride pay for the service whatever it costs - and by the way Metro to Ashburn - Maybe by 2015!!

 

You should check out what VDOT is doing on 95. They are adding tolls that dont exist with the HOT lanes.

 

Homer - agree they are adding tolls, but those tolls will be paid by those folks who choose to ride in the HOT lanes. In other words, the users are paying for it, not every person driving along 95, etc... I agree with the same principle for the Metro - those that use it should pay for it. Have you ever noticed when Metro wants to raise the fares by 10cents the riders are distraught/furious at the additional costs. Well the state is getting ready to raise my commute 40cents each way and I'm not even using the system.

I also think that it's too expensive and that alternative solutions are out there (and were presented but not considered by the govt)and that these solutions would have alternatives out here in the next few years making it a much sooner solution for those that want to not drive a car.

 

Flynn - maybe having the users pay for ALL of it might take it a bit to far - but why should only the commuters have to pay for it. If it benefits the common good then maybe the common people (ie. everyone) should be paying for it - that's all I'm saying. Raise the gas tax by a few cents, raise the real estate taxes by a penny to pay for it - but charge everyone.

What I also find funny is that Metro is so underfunded by all the local governements around here. If they dont see the common good in dedicating funding - kind of makes you think.

And again, let's look at the cheaper alternatives like buses, or the bus rapid transit they is cheaper and would be here sooner.

 

Excellent point, but remember that we northern Virginians voted down a $.05 sales tax increase two years ago that would have been dedicated by law to improving transportation in this region.

 

Flynn, take a bus trip in the morning from Herndon/Monroe to West Falls Church and tell me "for the most part people ignore it". It's standing room only.

 

It's the route to West Falls Church, along the toll road, not 66. It's how your neighbors get downtown via public transportation. These buses leave every 3 minutes from Herndon/Monroe to get to Metro and every one is packed in the morning.

 

This raises another related question ... why are there no slug lines out here to take advantage of HOV on the Toll Road and I-66, such as there are down the 395/95 corridor?