missing Roger Baker's opinions on oil and the bigger issues
Connie Clark
connie_3c@yahoo.com
Tue, 20 May 2003 15:12:59 -0700 (PDT)
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Michael Eisenstadt <michaele@ando.pair.com> wrote:
i heard Roger Baker on the radio. the subject
was rational public transport reform.
CC: <reply>
Ok, Mike, I will pass this on, and here is my brief analysis on the subject and challenge.
In the 90s. Under Clinton/Gore, the FHWA wrote funding guidelines with more money for transit, and rewards to communities that build into their transportation infrastructure better facilities encouraging walking and bicycling. They also began the campaign against urban sprawl, with endorsement of the concept of Smart Growth, sustainable development, liveable communities, etc. It all tied in to the Clean Air Act.
Believe it or not the big road builders still think that we can build our way out of congestion. They are not happy with the anti-urban sprawl movement, don't want to give up any money for anything but more lanes, etc, but are budget strapped, and need the feds money. Furthermore, citizen input into roadway construction has become more common, and the road builders are likewise not happy about having to deal with the 'quality of life' movement inspiring citizen activism (lawsuits) holding up progress on 'much needed' highway expansion.
So, here comes the toll road authorities. These semi-private agencies and their projects are growing exponentially worldwide (just search 'toll roads'). You see, the toll road authorities can come in and put in roads or expand exising roads without any federal or state tax money, and are thus able to get the job done a lot faster than the DOTs bogged down with 'regulations' (ie environmental, public hearings, etc). These new toll lanes and roads, I predict, will be everywhere within five or 6 years, and we will all be driving with electronic toll tags attached to the windshield, and a monthly bill in the mail for driving, unless you choose of course, to creep along in the old fashioned freeway lanes.
So, the question to Roger (or other theorists) is. Will the masses accept the 'not-free-ways', or demand transit.
Caveat: even with a high demand for transit, where will the money come from? unlike toll fees, transit fare collections will not cover the cost of operation, much less the capital cost. Taxpayer subsidy is the only way. Right now, the TRAs have the upper hand-ful, and it is going to get more expensive to drive.
CC
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<DIV><BR><BR><B><I>Michael Eisenstadt <michaele@ando.pair.com></I></B> wrote:
<BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid">
<P>i heard Roger Baker on the radio. the subject <BR>was rational public transport reform.</P>
<P>CC: <reply></P>
<P>Ok, Mike, I will pass this on, and here is my brief analysis on the subject and challenge.</P>
<P>In the 90s. Under Clinton/Gore, the FHWA wrote funding guidelines with more money for transit, and rewards to communities that build into their transportation infrastructure better facilities encouraging walking and bicycling. They also began the campaign against urban sprawl, with endorsement of the concept of Smart Growth, sustainable development, liveable communities, etc. It all tied in to the Clean Air Act.</P>
<P>Believe it or not the big road builders still think that we can build our way out of congestion. They are not happy with the anti-urban sprawl movement, don't want to give up any money for anything but more lanes, etc, but are budget strapped, and need the feds money. Furthermore, citizen input into roadway construction has become more common, and the road builders are likewise not happy about having to deal with the 'quality of life' movement inspiring citizen activism (lawsuits) holding up progress on 'much needed' highway expansion.</P>
<P>So, here comes the toll road authorities. These semi-private agencies and their projects are growing exponentially worldwide (just search 'toll roads'). You see, the toll road authorities can come in and put in roads or expand exising roads without any federal or state tax money, and are thus able to get the job done a lot faster than the DOTs bogged down with 'regulations' (ie environmental, public hearings, etc). These new toll lanes and roads, I predict, will be everywhere within five or 6 years, and we will all be driving with electronic toll tags attached to the windshield, and a monthly bill in the mail for driving, unless you choose of course, to creep along in the old fashioned freeway lanes. </P>
<P>So, the question to Roger (or other theorists) is. Will the masses accept the 'not-free-ways', or demand transit. </P>
<P>Caveat: even with a high demand for transit, where will the money come from? unlike toll fees, transit fare collections will not cover the cost of operation, much less the capital cost. Taxpayer subsidy is the only way. Right now, the TRAs have the upper hand-ful, and it is going to get more expensive to drive.</P>
<P>CC</P>
<P> </P></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV><p><hr SIZE=1>
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