Seattlest: Free-Loading Lake Crossers, The Party's Over

Paul Henry

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 12:29:23 -0800

This needs to get nipped in the bud right away or it'll bring down the RTID this fall. A better idea would be to put tolls on the existing 520 bridge starting immediately and make up the rest of the money some other way. Of course, that's not going to happen because our state's leaders are too chickenshit to ever conceive of undertaking any sort of public project without a vote.

Matt

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:48:45 -0800

Tolls are no fun, but there are some bright sides: 1. The modern standard - RFID toll devices - have been proven to work well on toll roads across the country, and keep cars moving (in SF, I'd only have to slow down slightly at the toll area). 2. Tolls discourage driving. People come up with all kinds of reasons why it's ok for them to sit in a car for 2 hours a day. But nothing changes behavior like a lightening wallet. For one thing, it becomes quite obvious how cheap taking the bus really is.

drrew

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 08:22:46 -0800

It's also likely to make an incredible mess out of 522 to the North and 405 South for people who can't/won't pay the toll and will look for alternative routes. There's no way in hell the idiots in charge of this State will do this properly.

pffft

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 08:08:42 -0800

this is just going to make the bridge traffic even worse