Interstate Tolls- Get ready to pay more (1 Viewer)

[avoiding injuries]

http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/white-house-opens-door-to-tolls-on-interstate-highways-removing-long-standing-prohibition/2014/04/29/5d2b9f30-cfac-11e3-b812-0c92213941f4_story.html

In the mid-atlantic and northeast, most of our highways are already highly tolled, but I wasn't aware that most of the 47k+ miles of highways across the US weren't (and that there was a prohibition in place to prevent it). Well, it looks like that may be coming to an end.

From the article:

With pressure mounting to avert a transportation funding crisis this summer, the Obama administration Tuesday opened the door for states to collect tolls on interstate highways to raise revenue for roadway repairs.

The proposal, contained in a four-year, $302 billion White House transportation bill, would reverse a long-standing federal prohibition on most interstate tolling.

Though some older segments of the network notably the Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes and Interstate 95 in Maryland and Interstate 495 in Virginia are toll roads, most of the 46,876-mile system has been toll-free.

We believe that this is an area where the states have to make their own decisions, said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. We want to open the aperture, if you will, to allow more states to choose to make broader use of tolling, to have that option available.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I thought this was about inveterate trolls.

 

[Slapdash]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Verrazano Bridge, $15 cash, not sure what I pay with EZ-Pass... Prob one of, if not the most expensive tolls in America.

All other bridge and tunnel tolls in NYC are $12.

These prices are all taking a price hike in 2015 and 2017... & I'm sure in 2019, 2021, etc. etc., but this hasn't been announced yet.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/white-house-opens-door-to-tolls-on-interstate-highways-removing-long-standing-prohibition/2014/04/29/5d2b9f30-cfac-11e3-b812-0c92213941f4_story.html

In the mid-atlantic and northeast, most of our highways are already highly tolled, but I wasn't aware that most of the 47k+ miles of highways across the US weren't (and that there was a prohibition in place to prevent it). Well, it looks like that may be coming to an end.

From the article:

With pressure mounting to avert a transportation funding crisis this summer, the Obama administration Tuesday opened the door for states to collect tolls on interstate highways to raise revenue for roadway repairs.

The proposal, contained in a four-year, $302 billion White House transportation bill, would reverse a long-standing federal prohibition on most interstate tolling.

Though some older segments of the network notably the Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes and Interstate 95 in Maryland and Interstate 495 in Virginia are toll roads, most of the 46,876-mile system has been toll-free.

We believe that this is an area where the states have to make their own decisions, said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. We want to open the aperture, if you will, to allow more states to choose to make broader use of tolling, to have that option available.

It's insane, we are 16+ trillion in debt and we don't have money for roads?

 

[avoiding injuries]

The Baltimore tunnels were $1 in 2009, $2 in 2011, $3 in 2012 and $4 in 2013. See a pattern here? Meanwhile, our gas tax went up 20% in 2013 (on the same day as the last toll increase) and will double in 2016.

 

[dgreen]

Though some older segments of the network notably the Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes and Interstate 95 in Maryland and Interstate 495 in Virginia are toll roads, most of the 46,876-mile system has been toll-free.

Kind of weird that the WaPo would say something like this when 495 is in their own backyard. There's about a 10-mile stretch that's HOT (HOV/Toll) but it still has regular, free lanes. And 95 in Maryland only has a small portion that's a toll road (and a tunnel).

 

[dgreen]

Verrazano Bridge, $15 cash, not sure what I pay with EZ-Pass... Prob one of, if not the most expensive tolls in America.

All other bridge and tunnel tolls in NYC are $12.

These prices are all taking a price hike in 2015 and 2017... & I'm sure in 2019, 2021, etc. etc., but this hasn't been announced yet.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is $15 one way and then $5 for a return trip within 24 hours during peak hours ($13 and $3 in off peak). It's a great value, though, since your alternative is an 8-10 hour drive around the bay.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Verrazano Bridge, $15 cash, not sure what I pay with EZ-Pass... Prob one of, if not the most expensive tolls in America.

All other bridge and tunnel tolls in NYC are $12.

These prices are all taking a price hike in 2015 and 2017... & I'm sure in 2019, 2021, etc. etc., but this hasn't been announced yet.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is $15 one way and then $5 for a return trip within 24 hours during peak hours ($13 and $3 in off peak). It's a great value, though, since your alternative is an 8-10 hour drive around the bay.

If it saves you 8-10 hours it is worth every cent. If I'm traveling to visit family in NJ the Verrazano Bridge saves me about 20 minutes... I'll pay it if I'm in a hurry, but it feels like such a ripoff.

When I got my license in 2000, it was $6 bucks, fast forward 14 years and it is $15, going to $17 next year.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/white-house-opens-door-to-tolls-on-interstate-highways-removing-long-standing-prohibition/2014/04/29/5d2b9f30-cfac-11e3-b812-0c92213941f4_story.html

In the mid-atlantic and northeast, most of our highways are already highly tolled, but I wasn't aware that most of the 47k+ miles of highways across the US weren't (and that there was a prohibition in place to prevent it). Well, it looks like that may be coming to an end.

From the article:

With pressure mounting to avert a transportation funding crisis this summer, the Obama administration Tuesday opened the door for states to collect tolls on interstate highways to raise revenue for roadway repairs.

The proposal, contained in a four-year, $302 billion White House transportation bill, would reverse a long-standing federal prohibition on most interstate tolling.

Though some older segments of the network notably the Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes and Interstate 95 in Maryland and Interstate 495 in Virginia are toll roads, most of the 46,876-mile system has been toll-free.

We believe that this is an area where the states have to make their own decisions, said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. We want to open the aperture, if you will, to allow more states to choose to make broader use of tolling, to have that option available.

It's insane, we are 16+ trillion in debt and we don't have money for roads?

We are decades behind on fixing our interstate roads and bridges. Why change anything now?

 

[fantasycurse42]

http://m.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/white-house-opens-door-to-tolls-on-interstate-highways-removing-long-standing-prohibition/2014/04/29/5d2b9f30-cfac-11e3-b812-0c92213941f4_story.html

In the mid-atlantic and northeast, most of our highways are already highly tolled, but I wasn't aware that most of the 47k+ miles of highways across the US weren't (and that there was a prohibition in place to prevent it). Well, it looks like that may be coming to an end.

From the article:

With pressure mounting to avert a transportation funding crisis this summer, the Obama administration Tuesday opened the door for states to collect tolls on interstate highways to raise revenue for roadway repairs.

The proposal, contained in a four-year, $302 billion White House transportation bill, would reverse a long-standing federal prohibition on most interstate tolling.

Though some older segments of the network notably the Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes and Interstate 95 in Maryland and Interstate 495 in Virginia are toll roads, most of the 46,876-mile system has been toll-free.

We believe that this is an area where the states have to make their own decisions, said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. We want to open the aperture, if you will, to allow more states to choose to make broader use of tolling, to have that option available.

It's insane, we are 16+ trillion in debt and we don't have money for roads?

We are decades behind on fixing our interstate roads and bridges. Why change anything now?

Pretty sure this has something to do with Sharks fans.

 

[Josie Maran]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

 

[MaxThreshold]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Oh, don't worry. I'm sure they're already discussing that as well. Politicians have NEVER met a tax they didn't like nor thought was too high.

 

[Koya]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Not so easy, for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, one of the reasons the gas tax structure is failing is because it's working.

Huh?

Namely, cars are a lot more gas efficient and as such, far more miles get driven with less gas tax dollars coming in. This trend will continue. So by succeeding in reducing emissions you are still increasing or remaining steady in terms of use of the roads, and the needed maintenance therein.

 

[dgreen]

Verrazano Bridge, $15 cash, not sure what I pay with EZ-Pass... Prob one of, if not the most expensive tolls in America.

All other bridge and tunnel tolls in NYC are $12.

These prices are all taking a price hike in 2015 and 2017... & I'm sure in 2019, 2021, etc. etc., but this hasn't been announced yet.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is $15 one way and then $5 for a return trip within 24 hours during peak hours ($13 and $3 in off peak). It's a great value, though, since your alternative is an 8-10 hour drive around the bay.

If it saves you 8-10 hours it is worth every cent. If I'm traveling to visit family in NJ the Verrazano Bridge saves me about 20 minutes... I'll pay it if I'm in a hurry, but it feels like such a ripoff.

When I got my license in 2000, it was $6 bucks, fast forward 14 years and it is $15, going to $17 next year.

Plus the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is a cool drive. 15 miles across open waters, with a couple of those miles in a tunnel.

 

[Koya]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Oh, don't worry. I'm sure they're already discussing that as well. Politicians have NEVER met a tax they didn't like nor thought was too high.

It's not the answer, in this case - although it is a short term option that needs to be explored.

For far too long US residents have assumed that roads and driving are free, other than their vehicle. The same people who rail against "government waste" on public transit because it requires subsidies, don't recognize that we subsidize driving far more than we do public transit.

 

[Sand]

Verrazano Bridge, $15 cash, not sure what I pay with EZ-Pass... Prob one of, if not the most expensive tolls in America.

All other bridge and tunnel tolls in NYC are $12.

These prices are all taking a price hike in 2015 and 2017... & I'm sure in 2019, 2021, etc. etc., but this hasn't been announced yet.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is $15 one way and then $5 for a return trip within 24 hours during peak hours ($13 and $3 in off peak). It's a great value, though, since your alternative is an 8-10 hour drive around the bay.

It's a monopoly. It is the only value.

 

[Apple Jack]

Verrazano Bridge, $15 cash, not sure what I pay with EZ-Pass... Prob one of, if not the most expensive tolls in America.

All other bridge and tunnel tolls in NYC are $12.

These prices are all taking a price hike in 2015 and 2017... & I'm sure in 2019, 2021, etc. etc., but this hasn't been announced yet.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is $15 one way and then $5 for a return trip within 24 hours during peak hours ($13 and $3 in off peak). It's a great value, though, since your alternative is an 8-10 hour drive around the bay.

It's a monopoly. It is the only value.

That's the only way onto the eastern shore?

 

[Josie Maran]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Oh, don't worry. I'm sure they're already discussing that as well. Politicians have NEVER met a tax they didn't like nor thought was too high.

Hasn't the gas tax been the same for like 20 years or something?

 

[Sand]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Oh, don't worry. I'm sure they're already discussing that as well. Politicians have NEVER met a tax they didn't like nor thought was too high.

It's not the answer, in this case - although it is a short term option that needs to be explored.

For far too long US residents have assumed that roads and driving are free, other than their vehicle. The same people who rail against "government waste" on public transit because it requires subsidies, don't recognize that we subsidize driving far more than we do public transit.

???

I think we all recognize that our car registration fees ostensibly go toward this and that the govt. gets more in taxes out of gasoline than the oil companies do (which also ostensibly goes toward roads and bridges). We collect 45+ billion in gas taxes.

 

[Thunderlips]

Though some older segments of the network notably the Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes and Interstate 95 in Maryland and Interstate 495 in Virginia are toll roads, most of the 46,876-mile system has been toll-free.

Kind of weird that the WaPo would say something like this when 495 is in their own backyard. There's about a 10-mile stretch that's HOT (HOV/Toll) but it still has regular, free lanes. And 95 in Maryland only has a small portion that's a toll road (and a tunnel).

There's the Perryville Bridge Toll in 95 MD.....IIRC, that's 7 or 8 bucks now....and there's an I95 toll at the DE/MD line.

 

[Sand]

Verrazano Bridge, $15 cash, not sure what I pay with EZ-Pass... Prob one of, if not the most expensive tolls in America.

All other bridge and tunnel tolls in NYC are $12.

These prices are all taking a price hike in 2015 and 2017... & I'm sure in 2019, 2021, etc. etc., but this hasn't been announced yet.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is $15 one way and then $5 for a return trip within 24 hours during peak hours ($13 and $3 in off peak). It's a great value, though, since your alternative is an 8-10 hour drive around the bay.

It's a monopoly. It is the only value.

That's the only way onto the eastern shore?

Well, you can go on a very long drive. Or swim.

 

[Slapdash]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Not so easy, for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, one of the reasons the gas tax structure is failing is because it's working.

Huh?

Namely, cars are a lot more gas efficient and as such, far more miles get driven with less gas tax dollars coming in. This trend will continue. So by succeeding in reducing emissions you are still increasing or remaining steady in terms of use of the roads, and the needed maintenance therein.

Sounds like even more reason raising it is a good idea.

Also, miles driven peaked years ago.

 

[Apes with Guns]

tollways aren't all fun and games.

 

[BroadwayG]

I was just thinking how little road construction I see when I drive into Chicago during the summers.

 

[Sand]

I was just thinking how little road construction I see when I drive into Chicago during the summers.

They're all in Cleveland.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

Oh, don't worry. I'm sure they're already discussing that as well. Politicians have NEVER met a tax they didn't like nor thought was too high.

We are in the fiscal mess because at the federal level "tax cuts pay for themselves" and at the state and local level "those that use this or that should pay for it rather than tax payers". Which of course is what is being suggested in this thread.

 

[SacramentoBob]

I grew up in the northeast all of my life, so toll roads were just a way of life. About time the rest of you ####ers started paying your fair share. I always thought it was interesting that there was free to enter NJ but you had to pay to leave. I guess no one wanted us.

 

[Apple Jack]

I was just thinking how little road construction I see when I drive into Chicago during the summers.

Come to DC. Got the entire country covered in that regard.

 

[DrJ]

Collecting tolls creates more jobs than gas taxes. Go tolls! And jobs!

 

[humpback]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Oh, don't worry. I'm sure they're already discussing that as well. Politicians have NEVER met a tax they didn't like nor thought was too high.

Hasn't the gas tax been the same for like 20 years or something?

There's both federal and state gas taxes (sometimes local as well). Federal hasn't increased in that long, but many state rates have.

 

[Koya]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Not so easy, for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, one of the reasons the gas tax structure is failing is because it's working.

Huh?

Namely, cars are a lot more gas efficient and as such, far more miles get driven with less gas tax dollars coming in. This trend will continue. So by succeeding in reducing emissions you are still increasing or remaining steady in terms of use of the roads, and the needed maintenance therein.

Sounds like even more reason raising it is a good idea.

Also, miles driven peaked years ago.

Regardless , driving will be the key mode of transport in this nation for some time to come (self driving vehicles will change this dramatically IMO) and as such a VMT ( vehicle miles traveled ) tax makes more and more sense. Let's face it, environmental benefits aside, an electric car does as much damage to the road as a gas powered vehicle generally speaking.

 

[jon_mx]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

I like the idea of having targeted tolls on targeted roads forcing the evil people who happen to need those roads to pay more taxes. Equal protection and all that good stuff.

 

[Mr. Cross]

Thanks Obama.

 

[Dragons]

I prefer an increase in the gas tax to tolls, due to the traffic nightmare tolls cause and the loss of revenue that ends up in the toll processors pocket.

Tolls may hit users more evenly, taking fuel efficiency out of the equation, but I don't have a problem incentivizing fuel efficiency.

 

[Dr Oadi]

I thought we paid high income taxes for roads bridges and schools. Wtf?!

 

[ShaqAttaq]

It's about time

 

[shadyridr]

Verrazano Bridge, $15 cash, not sure what I pay with EZ-Pass... Prob one of, if not the most expensive tolls in America.

All other bridge and tunnel tolls in NYC are $12.

These prices are all taking a price hike in 2015 and 2017... & I'm sure in 2019, 2021, etc. etc., but this hasn't been announced yet.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is $15 one way and then $5 for a return trip within 24 hours during peak hours ($13 and $3 in off peak). It's a great value, though, since your alternative is an 8-10 hour drive around the bay.

If it saves you 8-10 hours it is worth every cent. If I'm traveling to visit family in NJ the Verrazano Bridge saves me about 20 minutes... I'll pay it if I'm in a hurry, but it feels like such a ripoff.

When I got my license in 2000, it was $6 bucks, fast forward 14 years and it is $15, going to $17 next year.

i pay $5 and change i think

 

[Amused to Death]

I grew up in the northeast all of my life, so toll roads were just a way of life. About time the rest of you ####ers started paying your fair share. I always thought it was interesting that there was free to enter NJ but you had to pay to leave. I guess no one wanted us.

LOL I always think the same thing. They let you in for free but if you have to pay if you want to leave. There's going to be a very large project in the near future that will put a toll on I-95 going from NJ into PA (Scudders Falls Bridge). They're building a new structure next to the existing and the final condition will have a bridge for each direction. Its being sold to the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. 1-way toll going south into PA.

 

[MAC_32]

The only toll way in Ohio is easily avoidable for me, so I am all for it.

 

[NREC34]

What do they do with all that money in the northeast? The few times I've driven up there the potholes have been really terrible.

 

[Amused to Death]

What do they do with all that money in the northeast? The few times I've driven up there the potholes have been really terrible.

Pay the toll collectors.

 

[Amused to Death]

What do they do with all that money in the northeast? The few times I've driven up there the potholes have been really terrible.

Serious answer - In NJ all the tolls roads are privately owned. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority owns both the Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway and the South Jersey Transportation Authority owns the AC Expressway. They are the only toll roads in NJ excluding bridges, which are owned/operated by either the Port Authority of NY/NJ or the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. The tolls go towards the operation and maintenance of the roads. The NJDOT does not (typically) fund the Turnpike or GSP projects. The PANYNJ pays for their maintenance of the North Jersey bridges and tunnels.

The NJDOT pays for the maintenance of all State, Federal & Interstate roads through taxes.

 

[Slapdash]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Not so easy, for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, one of the reasons the gas tax structure is failing is because it's working.

Huh?

Namely, cars are a lot more gas efficient and as such, far more miles get driven with less gas tax dollars coming in. This trend will continue. So by succeeding in reducing emissions you are still increasing or remaining steady in terms of use of the roads, and the needed maintenance therein.

Sounds like even more reason raising it is a good idea.

Also, miles driven peaked years ago.

Regardless , driving will be the key mode of transport in this nation for some time to come (self driving vehicles will change this dramatically IMO) and as such a VMT ( vehicle miles traveled ) tax makes more and more sense. Let's face it, environmental benefits aside, an electric car does as much damage to the road as a gas powered vehicle generally speaking.

Its not practical to measure miles traveled (at least, not yet) and the switch towards fuel efficiencies are still desirable.

 

[Slapdash]

Probably not a good idea to roll-out the NJ model nationwide.

 

[NutterButter]

I've been pretty blessed living in Morris County NJ. All I travel are the interstates which are free. And in general, the roads are in great shape except for some potholes in the winter which is expected. Feel bad for the folks that have to pay tolls on the GSPW and/or NJTP

 

[Sand]

Or maybe states, once they get in financial trouble even with new tolls, will turn to selling them off like the Ohio Turnpike, parking meters in Chicago, etc. Politicians create value through monopolistic, government enforced tolls and then sell off the assets. Why do we trust these people again?

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

Probably not a good idea to roll-out the NJ model nationwide.

But that is what happens every time there is a GOP governor with "Christ" somewhere in their name.

 

[Koya]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Not so easy, for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, one of the reasons the gas tax structure is failing is because it's working.

Huh?

Namely, cars are a lot more gas efficient and as such, far more miles get driven with less gas tax dollars coming in. This trend will continue. So by succeeding in reducing emissions you are still increasing or remaining steady in terms of use of the roads, and the needed maintenance therein.

Sounds like even more reason raising it is a good idea.

Also, miles driven peaked years ago.

Regardless , driving will be the key mode of transport in this nation for some time to come (self driving vehicles will change this dramatically IMO) and as such a VMT ( vehicle miles traveled ) tax makes more and more sense. Let's face it, environmental benefits aside, an electric car does as much damage to the road as a gas powered vehicle generally speaking.

Its not practical to measure miles traveled (at least, not yet) and the switch towards fuel efficiencies are still desirable.

You are correct in that we are not prepared today for VMT measurement, but it's not difficult to do. The bigger issue will be the privacy issues involved as it's tough to measure how many miles you have traveled without, well, knowing how many miles you have traveled - and that means monitoring. That I am not comfortable with, personally. Don't know how to get around that, especially with an ever increasing tech monitoring gov't we have.

 

[Slapdash]

Terrible idea. Just raise the ####### gas tax guys.

Not so easy, for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, one of the reasons the gas tax structure is failing is because it's working.

Huh?

Namely, cars are a lot more gas efficient and as such, far more miles get driven with less gas tax dollars coming in. This trend will continue. So by succeeding in reducing emissions you are still increasing or remaining steady in terms of use of the roads, and the needed maintenance therein.

Sounds like even more reason raising it is a good idea.

Also, miles driven peaked years ago.

Regardless , driving will be the key mode of transport in this nation for some time to come (self driving vehicles will change this dramatically IMO) and as such a VMT ( vehicle miles traveled ) tax makes more and more sense. Let's face it, environmental benefits aside, an electric car does as much damage to the road as a gas powered vehicle generally speaking.

Its not practical to measure miles traveled (at least, not yet) and the switch towards fuel efficiencies are still desirable.

You are correct in that we are not prepared today for VMT measurement, but it's not difficult to do. The bigger issue will be the privacy issues involved as it's tough to measure how many miles you have traveled without, well, knowing how many miles you have traveled - and that means monitoring. That I am not comfortable with, personally. Don't know how to get around that, especially with an ever increasing tech monitoring gov't we have.

Yeah. I'd rather use an imperfect funding vehicle that protects rights while creating other positive externalities. Or just use the ####### general fund.