If major intersections are bridged that would be some relief. Perhaps some don’t think traffic stoppages in minor arteries don’t contribute to overall traffic problems?

Funding this huge expenditure with little short term gain in congestion relief takes precious funding out of funds that should be dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the current system of roads and highways. This has always been more about where the money is spent rather than the amount. Of course, if you spend these desperately needed funds on light rail rather the regional infrastructure needs that are virtual declared emergencies now, you set up the arguement that we will need to raise taxes again next year because too much was spent on things like this. But, that’s what government funding has become right? A continually self-induced NEED manufactured by purposeful incompetence?

Relief is on the way though. When traffic is so overwhelmed and usuing your fuel efficient car becomes prohibitively expensive, you will be forced to use mass transit. Only the super wealthy will have the luxuary of their own vehicle. Also, when you no longer have that monthly car payment, you can afford to pay even more taxes and your local government is looking for their piece of YOUR pie!

Reid,

You mean the elevated and automated system you would oppose the large tax increase to pay for? (Yeah, right.) Computers crash, software glitches, etc.

If there’d been a realistic proposal on the table a few years ago for such a system, it might have been possible. However, events in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Newport News have now precluded it.

As for the fare, a bus driver who knows me drove me to work yesterday and that topic came up. The new MAX express service is $3, versus $1.50 mainline. We both expect light rail to be $3. Here’s the fun part: the finance figures for Norfolk’s Starter Line are based on an $1.50 fare. Therefore, at $3 it would look much better financially.

Finally, no official statement from the VBTA on HB 6028? I’ve been watching VNS for one.

Brian,

The online poll is now at 85% “Yes” with 1338 votes in. Two big factors;

1. The recent CNU poll showed mass transit, including light rail, as the second most popular transportation proposal.

2. People (hopefully) realize the medium term success of light rail in South Hampton Roads depends on getting Virginia Beach in. You could build a system in Norfolk and Portsmouth connecting to Newport News’ proposed line, but the water crossing is years away.

There’s a meeting in Norfolk tomorrow morning to talk about extension northward. This may be a huge week for light rail locally.

The fares changed are so low that those that actually use the Light Rail do not even pay for the cost of its operation. Not to mention the cost of construction and maintenance and replacement.

Knucklehead’s Roadhouse.

Reid,

I would expect the major intersections to be bridged. Meyera talked about such when I spoke at the NS ROW Public hearing.

As to grade level light rail running down the NS ROW. That proposal is a horrific waste of precious transportation funds.

First of all, Brian and the VBTA are mutually exclusive.

The text of the bill is now online. However, it still hasn’t been assigned to committee.

Honest, I wasn’t expecting a PPTA. I’m not sure how you would structure the project as a PPTA. However, it should get in done quicker and insulate it from (yeah) the VBTA.

I’ve talked to a couple people and nobody saw this coming. Therefore, it’s a pleasant surprise.

I haven’t read Tata’s bill yet, but it is my understanding that PPTAs need to first be “chartered”. Is that what his bill does? IMHO, this is good news. This is how we get light rail to the Beach! Am I otherwise missing something here with your sarcasm, Henry? Or is that more pointed at Brian and his VBTA?

Thanks for the heads-up on this, Henry. I’ll have to send it up to my Richmond people in case they haven’t seen it yet.