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I heard a long time ago that the NCGA had adopted an 'Equity Formula' that spread out the Highway Fund to all the counties somewhat equally. The law was in effect until the 2010 Census where it was changed back to a system that divvied up the funds by population and expected growth.
I don't know what the 'official' rule is now, but I'm sure it's going to keep going in that direction. FWIW - I do a lot of work for the State and it certainly seems that the major metro areas are the ones with the money to spend.
I think of it as a "new house-sprawl" tax. All I know.....too rich for our blood.
$2.75/trip x 2 (round trip) x 5 days (work week) x 44 weeks/year (off 8 weeks for holidays, PTO, work from home, etc) = $1210/year.
It seems many people say "meh" to this cost but to us it is a chunk of change. Twelve hundred bucks is a nice vacation, home improvement project or property tax installment; and, unlike the toll, these things add value to our lives in the form of fun experiences, home equity or city services respectively.
The real kicker is that the wife and I might well have to use the toll road separately most of the year so the $1200/year commuting cost could easily about double for us. Makes me cringe just thinking about it.... $2400/year x 5 years = $12,000.....that is "real money".... maybe a nice down payment on a new/newer car.
And again, that toll fee is money down the drain......I don't think I'm getting anything in return... other than the "joy" of having a 35 minute commute vs a 45-50 minute commute. Just not worth it when there are still many decent affordable options closer in that still allow for a much shorter (10-20 min) and free commute. Now, if those houses in Cary were 500K for 1000sqft tear down, like they are in some metros, then I might put more value in the toll.
Obviously, judging by the increase in 540 traffic and the growing pains of HS and FV, many people DO find the time/value/money cost worth it to have a slightly newer-larger (though maybe smaller lot) house than they might be able to have closer in (Cary or Apex).
I think of it as a "new house-sprawl" tax. All I know.....too rich for our blood.
$2.75/trip x 2 (round trip) x 5 days (work week) x 44 weeks/year (off 8 weeks for holidays, PTO, work from home, etc) = $1210/year.
It seems many people say "meh" to this cost but to us it is a chunk of change. Twelve hundred bucks is a nice vacation, home improvement project or property tax installment; and, unlike the toll, these things add value to our lives in the form of fun experiences, home equity or city services respectively.
The real kicker is that the wife and I might well have to use the toll road separately most of the year so the $1200/year commuting cost could easily about double for us. Makes me cringe just thinking about it.... $2400/year x 5 years = $12,000.....that is "real money".... maybe a nice down payment on a new/newer car.
And again, that toll fee is money down the drain......I don't think I'm getting anything in return... other than the "joy" of having a 35 minute commute vs a 45-50 minute commute. Just not worth it when there are still many decent affordable options closer in that still allow for a much shorter (10-20 min) and free commute. Now, if those houses in Cary were 500K for 1000sqft tear down, like they are in some metros, then I might put more value in the toll.
Obviously, judging by the increase in 540 traffic and the growing pains of HS and FV, many people DO find the time/value/money cost worth it to have a slightly newer-larger (though maybe smaller lot) house than they might be able to have closer in (Cary or Apex).
I bet a lot of people look at it like "oh, it's just a couple bucks, I spend that on coffee". But you're right, it adds up quick. A lot of people probably barely take it into consideration when it comes to their housing budget. $100 bucks a month on a 30 year mortgage is a good amount.
I bet a lot of people look at it like "oh, it's just a couple bucks, I spend that on coffee". But you're right, it adds up quick. A lot of people probably barely take it into consideration when it comes to their housing budget. $100 bucks a month on a 30 year mortgage is a good amount.
Gotta have that granite and stainless though!
True, I guess to the people living in the McMansions of 12 Oaks or Woodcreek the toll is "chump change".
The funny thing is, you can find affordable sfh closer in (10-20 minute toll-free RTP commute; 10-20 minute toll-free DT Raleigh commute) and still have touches like the granite and stainless appliances... we do Our house is under 3000sqft though. Maybe it's the "small town feel"... LOL (that ship sailed long ago for HS and FV).
No, not building roads can choke off stupidly long commutes and discourage more transplants and bribed employers from relocating to NC.
Rail, not roads, is the only lasting answer.
So the answer is pay for a rail system that we already can't afford (don't think that recently passed bond will do much of anything rail wise), by not growing our population and insuring more companies don't relocate here? Do I understand you on that?
I think of it as a "new house-sprawl" tax. All I know.....too rich for our blood.
$2.75/trip x 2 (round trip) x 5 days (work week) x 44 weeks/year (off 8 weeks for holidays, PTO, work from home, etc) = $1210/year.
It seems many people say "meh" to this cost but to us it is a chunk of change. Twelve hundred bucks is a nice vacation, home improvement project or property tax installment; and, unlike the toll, these things add value to our lives in the form of fun experiences, home equity or city services respectively.
The real kicker is that the wife and I might well have to use the toll road separately most of the year so the $1200/year commuting cost could easily about double for us. Makes me cringe just thinking about it.... $2400/year x 5 years = $12,000.....that is "real money".... maybe a nice down payment on a new/newer car.
And again, that toll fee is money down the drain......I don't think I'm getting anything in return... other than the "joy" of having a 35 minute commute vs a 45-50 minute commute. Just not worth it when there are still many decent affordable options closer in that still allow for a much shorter (10-20 min) and free commute. Now, if those houses in Cary were 500K for 1000sqft tear down, like they are in some metros, then I might put more value in the toll.
Obviously, judging by the increase in 540 traffic and the growing pains of HS and FV, many people DO find the time/value/money cost worth it to have a slightly newer-larger (though maybe smaller lot) house than they might be able to have closer in (Cary or Apex).
Just do what my co-worker did. He bought one of those license plate signs that hides his plate from the camera off eBay.
Nope not joking. Guy makes $150k/yr and is too cheap to pay a toll once a week.
I think we see it the same way. 540 across North Raleigh took forever. But the back room deals accelerated the western arc of 540 by at least 5 years and possibly 10. Of course we will never know exactly when the western arc of 540 would have been built without tolls.
After the 2010 census, the General Assembly became a bit more accommodating of metros and it should get even more accommodating after 2020.
Since the republicans took control of the General Assembly in 2010, they have virtually declared war on NC's metro areas.
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