VA leaders to commuters: Fix traffic problems yourself

[cdmurphy]

Originally Posted by smithy77

I thought the idea of levying a local tax dedicated to roads was already floated some years ago, and the Va. legislature kept smacking the idea down.

It was put to a vote back in 2002, but didn't pass.

Voters nix road tax

[ACWhite]

Here's a story on what happened more recently (2008):

State Supreme Court Overturns Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Taxing Power

"The Washington Post is reporting this afternoon that the Virginia Supreme Court (http://www.loudouncountytraffic.com/2008/02/www.courts.state.va.us/scv/home.html - broken link) today overturned a landmark measure designed to relieve traffic congestion in Northern Virginia, declaring that the creation of a regional transportation authority to levy taxes was unconstitutional..."

[stpickrell]

Originally Posted by cdmurphy

It was put to a vote back in 2002, but didn't pass.

Voters nix road tax

I remember everyone thought all the money would be spent on projects outside their jurisdiction.

[Novadhd5150]

VDOT could care less about NOVA..I once heard the head of VDOT say something about NOVA should just use existing infrastructure and be content.
I would be willing to pay a gas tax.

[Azmordean]

I often tell friends and family that if a candidate for VA Governor would come up with a realistic transportation plan I will vote for them. I have yet to see it.

To me, increased gas tax absolutely SHOULD be a part of this plan. The gas tax has been 18 cents forever. It hasn't even come close to keeping up with inflation, let alone staying the same percentage of cost of a gallon of fuel.

Plus, the gas tax has several positives:

1. Raises money for use on mass transit and road projects. (Duh )
2. Causes people to drive a bit less on the margin, decreasing traffic and improving the environment.
3. Causes people to purchase more fuel efficient vehicles.

Ideally, the money would be earmarked for transit projects in the region in which it was collected. The money would then be used for a combination of mass transit projects and road projects (including widening 66 between the beltway and Fair Oaks).

[marie5v]

Originally Posted by cry_havoc

I agree. It is just the people in management decisions, especially in DC tend to be older and have this attitude, "this is the way I did things so this is the way we are going to continue doing things." Maybe they are afraid that employees wont work, but you should set goals and deadlines for workers and as long as they get them done everything should be ok. I feel that companies are slowly embracing change.

Another problem is the 9-5 workday. Often people get done earlier, due to increased productivity, but are still stuck at work doing nothing.

Even with more telecommuting, and public transit, traffic is still going to suck. It could be better though.

I agree, and I think it could be a lot better. The 9-5 or 8-5 work day is absurd for so many people. I once worked for a govt contractor from 8:15-5pm, and there was absolutely no reason for those hours. The offices had no public contact and little contact with other offices. So many places are like that - it's just inflexible thinking and unwillingness to change.