For Whom The Road Tolls Edition
Want to avoid traffic? Then pony up and pay. That’s the new trend in highway driving according to USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/04/toll-lanes-create-another-option-to-avoid-traffic/1747307/
Here’s how it works: A special lane is reserved for those who want to avoid congestion. Drivers use their EZ Pass or similar technology and are automatically charged according to traffic conditions should they decide to use the toll lanes.
How much does it cost? That depends on traffic conditions. The more traffic there is, the more it costs to drive in the toll lanes. Some lanes charge more than $1 per mile.
Never mind the fact that our taxes already paid for these roads; you now have to pay through the nose if you want to drive at highway speeds…on the highway.
Let’s say you drive 10 miles each way in these toll lanes every day. You could end up spending more than $20 a day. That’s $100 per week, $400 per month, $4,800 per year! Just for the privilege of being able to drive at or near the speed limit.
Granted, you do have the choice of not using the toll lanes, but that means you sit in traffic. So, those who can afford it can zip on by the masses who sit bumper to bumper every day. Those who can’t afford it are SOL.
Why do I get the feeling that this new trend is designed only for the wealthy? I also think it takes advantage of those who are running late due to traffic.
I wonder: Are they using already-existing left lanes for this? If so, that means there is one fewer lane for drivers to use in overly-congested areas.
I get that states are starved for cash. I also get that transportation departments are looking for ways to ease traffic congestion. But to tax drivers to avoid traffic seems a bit over the top. What’s next, making people pay to avoid waiting on hold for customer service? How about a $5 lane at the grocery store to avoid long lines?
What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/
My Final Thought:
Dogs are driving cars. Seriously, I’m not kidding: http://jalopnik.com/5966043/these-dogs-are-actually-driving-cars
Now if I could just train my dog to drive my car and do my job, he could sit in traffic and I wouldn’t have to worry about paying a toll just to get somewhere!
What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/
Love your car! See you next week!
--Lauren Fix
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