[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Did anyone read this? Does anyone find it insane and downright wrong that the state is forbidding drivers from using a public road, paid with public taxes? Oh wait, now they will allow it if you pay an outrageous toll ($35). This is just another sneaky way for the politicians of the so-called cheaper states to soak the public. Jay

I think congestion-sensitive tolling is the absolute right thing to do. Not just an express lane. The whole highway. If you insist on driving on I-95 in Fairfield County during rush hour in a single occupant vehicle, you should have to pay for it. It's not like there's the land to add another 3 lanes each way to I-95.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

I think congestion-sensitive tolling is the absolute right thing to do. Not just an express lane. The whole highway. If you insist on driving on I-95 in Fairfield County during rush hour in a single occupant vehicle, you should have to pay for it. It's not like there's the land to add another 3 lanes each way to I-95.

Not everyone that works can afford to pay tolls that are that expensive. Why should only the wealthy be allowed to drive on highways that were built with public funds on rights-of-way that were taken for the public good. I am all for open-road tolling to pay for roadway improvements however I am not for such outrageous toll costs or with limiting who can and cannot use a highway. I am surprised this has not been challenged as discriminatory. It sure should be. Jay

[hvexpatinct]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Did anyone read this? Does anyone find it insane and downright wrong that the state is forbidding drivers from using a public road, paid with public taxes? Oh wait, now they will allow it if you pay an outrageous toll ($35). This is just another sneaky way for the politicians of the so-called cheaper states to soak the public. Jay

I'm interested to see what revenue they're going to raise, but for the average commuter, it's really business as usual. I-66 inside the Beltway has been HOV territory during peak hours for at least 15 years. The toll only applies to single occupants. Additionally there are viable public transit options serving DC from the west. I occasionally made that trip as a commuter, and when I could not rideshare to use 66, I took the bus to the Metro - bus has HOV lane access, and while unglamorous, it is more economically and ecologically friendly.

[ayoskillz]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Not everyone that works can afford to pay tolls that are that expensive. Why should only the wealthy be allowed to drive on highways that were built with public funds on rights-of-way that were taken for the public good. I am all for open-road tolling to pay for roadway improvements however I am not for such outrageous toll costs or with limiting who can and cannot use a highway. I am surprised this has not been challenged as discriminatory. It sure should be. Jay

Hey wasnt the gold coast named as pretty much one of the richest areas in the USA. Pretty sure 30$ wouldn't hurt the rich pockets.. with that been said I think they raised it so people ca get on track with public transportation. Cities invest a good amount of money and if they don't constantly have a good amount of people riding it then it won't make the money they thought

[GoHuskies]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Not everyone that works can afford to pay tolls that are that expensive. Why should only the wealthy be allowed to drive on highways that were built with public funds on rights-of-way that were taken for the public good. I am all for open-road tolling to pay for roadway improvements however I am not for such outrageous toll costs or with limiting who can and cannot use a highway. I am surprised this has not been challenged as discriminatory. It sure should be. Jay

Let them take the bus or walk.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by GoHuskies

Let them take the bus or walk.

With congestion-based tolling, you heavily discount carpoolers. That's what California does on the bridges around SFO. What you're trying to stop is 1 person per car.

With a state-run EZ Pass system, you can also link the transponder to a tax return & place of work. You can discount lower income people commuting to work during rush hour. Or refund a slice of the toll money on the state income tax return for low income people. ...but nothing like the break you get for carpooling.

[SAE72]

Originally Posted by Mike 75

Bingo. But if after graduation you can't get a job with commensurate pay to service that debt along with the other costs of living, its a problem. Because unlike most other forms of debt, student loan debt is not dischargeable in bankruptcy. You're stuck with it.

Sure it can be a problem, but there are plenty of ways to generate income besides a main job. Many see a trend towards a contractor type of environment. There also may be lucrative part time opportunities for additional income.

[CTartist]

Originally Posted by GoHuskies

Let them take the bus or walk.

Or let them eat cake?

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by ayoskillz

Hey wasnt the gold coast named as pretty much one of the richest areas in the USA. Pretty sure 30$ wouldn't hurt the rich pockets.. with that been said I think they raised it so people ca get on track with public transportation. Cities invest a good amount of money and if they don't constantly have a good amount of people riding it then it won't make the money they thought

Not everyone in Fairfield County is rich. Most are middle class. They have to drive I-95 because they can't afford housing prices in and around Stamford so they move further out. This seems a bit much particularly when the pricing originally quoted to the public was no where near this amount. Crazy. Jay

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by CTartist

Or let them eat cake?

Jay