Not Logged In Log In   Sign Up   Points Leaders
Follow Us    1:07 PM

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: GasBuddy Official Blog > Topics Add to favorite topics   Post new topicPost New Topic
Author Topic: Heads up, Virginia! Gov. wants Toll Road Authority created Post a Reply Back to Topics
PD

Moderator
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 1:03:55 PM

In yet another tale of toll roads, Virginia Gov. McDonnell released a statement last Friday on a plan that would create *drum roll please* a new Toll Road Authority "to construct, maintain and operate toll road facilities statewide. Under the plan, existing facilities controlled by the Virginia Department of Transportation would be transferred to the authority's purview." Yipes!

This story via the Daily Press. Heck, the Gov. also outlined the possibility to sell naming rights to highways! Maybe all of us GasBuddies can pool together and give this highway a great name such as "tolling without representation".

According to the Daily Press article, the Gov's plans also contained this:
-Authorize the Commonwealth Transportation...

Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article
REPLIES (newest first)
Profile Pic
outtabout
Rookie Author Virginia

Posts:1
Points:120
Joined:Feb 2012
Message Posted: Feb 2, 2012 1:44:42 PM


After reading the majority of comments it appears many ignore that gas taxes may have at one time been a good source of reliable fed & state funding for construction and maintenance of the interstate and local highway systems. But gas taxes no longer provide even the funding needed to just maintain the roads and bridges we got. The gas tax was never indexed to inflation. Advances made in engine/automotive technology (driven by the Fed's CAFE standards) have increased the MPG performance (good for us, bad for $'s from gas consumption) and the introduction of alternative fuel vehicles have all combined to diminish the $'s collected from fuel taxes. Shame on those elected officials who continue to dodge and ignore their responsibility and who allow the best transportation infrastructure this world has seen just continue to rot & decay. Congrats to those officials who refuse to be judged by what is politically popular and do what's necessary to ensure we address past sins, repair our roads and bridges and work for making a reliable source of funding available to return our infrastructure back to safe operations and ensure it is done in a way that is equitable. Tolls are only paid by those who use that specific road. But to be fair I would say any signfiicant increase in tolls on interstates should be combined with legislation that would allow us to get a rebate on our personal federal income taxes for all tolls paid thru the year -- now that would get the attention of Congress!

Bottomline: take a good look at the roads you drive on daily -- they may be here tomorrow, but unless there is someway to pay for repairs they're gonna be gone tomorrow. We need to ensure they remain usable for our next generation.
Profile Pic
honda0105
Champion Author Tallahassee

Posts:18,623
Points:1,609,520
Joined:Nov 2008
Message Posted: Jan 27, 2012 6:02:26 AM

you already got one agency, why create another?
Profile Pic
rjhenn
Champion Author Des Moines

Posts:22,438
Points:2,229,700
Joined:Aug 2005
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 11:27:25 PM

bart_reed - "Another step in "pay for what you use"."

Don't you mean "pay more for the same services"?
Profile Pic
tomok
Champion Author Portland

Posts:33,011
Points:2,345,510
Joined:Aug 2006
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 3:47:47 PM

Virginia! Gov. wants Toll Road Authority created, another government agency and another toll road to fleece the driving public. Use the gas taxes for what they were intended to do – the repair or replacement of roads and bridges. It will force the side roads to handle more traffic and restrict travel by tourists and increase the cost of goods and services by truck. If it happens in Va and Mo, it may happen in a state near you. Remember to bypass Virginia and Missouri when traveling or on vacation.
The price of fuel at the pump is too high!
12/22/2012!
Profile Pic
N5EXY
Champion Author Austin

Posts:5,492
Points:1,510,230
Joined:Jul 2004
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 10:04:26 AM

Pay twice.
Profile Pic
07skydriver
Champion Author Ohio

Posts:3,256
Points:982,275
Joined:Feb 2009
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 6:54:11 AM

If you don't want to pay ... Just stay home.
Profile Pic
bart_reed
Champion Author Los Angeles

Posts:3,974
Points:785,630
Joined:Mar 2011
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 3:26:26 AM

Another step in "pay for what you use".
Profile Pic
Krykson
All-Star Author Chicago

Posts:840
Points:247,285
Joined:Jul 2006
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 2:51:16 AM

Interesting
Profile Pic
jrsva
Champion Author Virginia

Posts:9,852
Points:1,613,000
Joined:Jan 2006
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 12:54:23 AM


I didn’t vote for McDonnell. Fortunately, Virginia governors cannot run for a second term. Maybe we can get someone better next time.
Profile Pic
trinda1
Champion Author Fort Worth

Posts:2,011
Points:544,795
Joined:Dec 2010
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 12:13:12 AM

Good article PD, and if I would go in on the naming with you does that mean I get part of the revenue from the toll usage? Problem with that, we will still be pick pocketing the people and the Gov. Still gets what he wants.

Should had known he was a republican.

FrankTA2>>We have toll roads in NJ & NY, no big deal.
They pulled the wool over your head, now you are use to it.
Yes, it is a big deal!
Profile Pic
mpg611
Champion Author Cleveland

Posts:2,334
Points:569,545
Joined:Apr 2011
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 12:10:00 AM

ssect8 said "Another idiot politician elected by a bunch of clueless citizens.

Couldnt have said it any better. Democrats all about political correctness. Republicans all about a certain religion. Both all about big government and high taxes and less freedoms. All the above havent worked, yet its the same crap over and over. When will we wake up?
Profile Pic
Saturn93
Champion Author Salt Lake City

Posts:7,292
Points:1,640,885
Joined:Oct 2006
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 12:05:32 AM

More government agencies. Just what we need. --- NOT
Profile Pic
jrschl
Champion Author Louisville

Posts:2,967
Points:681,065
Joined:Jun 2011
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 12:03:53 AM

Is what it is I suppose.
Profile Pic
ssect8
Champion Author Hartford

Posts:7,994
Points:2,094,270
Joined:Jun 2006
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 12:02:29 AM

Another idiot politician elected by a bunch of clueless citizens.
Profile Pic
Dragnet
Champion Author Arizona

Posts:15,406
Points:2,908,760
Joined:Jul 2004
Message Posted: Jan 25, 2012 12:00:03 AM

Something else to make the Springfield Interchange more of a mess during rush hour
Profile Pic
bonzoonfmb
Champion Author Florida

Posts:1,782
Points:644,585
Joined:Feb 2010
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:56:55 PM

I have a warrant in Virginia anyway.
Profile Pic
SparkieMi
Champion Author Kalamazoo

Posts:3,258
Points:588,325
Joined:Sep 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:56:07 PM

Politics and greed...
Profile Pic
Blue48
Champion Author Illinois

Posts:7,305
Points:1,637,945
Joined:Feb 2007
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:53:33 PM

OK
Profile Pic
jorja13
Champion Author British Columbia

Posts:1,093
Points:249,860
Joined:Aug 2008
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:47:46 PM

Another place for tourists to avoid.
Profile Pic
lightninjack
Sophomore Author Ohio

Posts:194
Points:15,695
Joined:Dec 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:46:25 PM

Can i put a toll booth at the end of my long driveway and start charging people
Profile Pic
ron98146
Champion Author Seattle

Posts:1,579
Points:964,855
Joined:Jun 2008
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:44:17 PM

who woulda thunk it.
Profile Pic
mstearno
Champion Author Dayton

Posts:8,066
Points:1,731,235
Joined:Jan 2008
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:43:25 PM

idiot
Profile Pic
mfeldstein
Champion Author Ottawa

Posts:8,171
Points:1,930,480
Joined:Feb 2007
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:42:41 PM

Bureacracy to ensure too many rules and sloooow procedures.
Profile Pic
DerHahn
Champion Author Illinois

Posts:13,709
Points:2,114,135
Joined:May 2004
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:41:52 PM

with all these tolls popping up, being doubled etc, they won't have to worry about higher mileage as people just won't be driving.
Profile Pic
CDMAuto
Champion Author Connecticut

Posts:3,793
Points:753,915
Joined:Apr 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:33:59 PM

GREED
Profile Pic
kgbellman
Champion Author Ann Arbor

Posts:2,713
Points:731,840
Joined:Mar 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:31:57 PM

unbelievable
Profile Pic
alaskan101
Sophomore Author Washington

Posts:140
Points:253,575
Joined:Dec 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:31:27 PM

Always get their share..........
Profile Pic
Jeeputtputt
Champion Author Ohio

Posts:3,002
Points:677,465
Joined:Aug 2009
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:23:33 PM

if they start with these tolls, it will start an uprising!
Profile Pic
ILoveGoldens
All-Star Author Kentucky

Posts:901
Points:378,880
Joined:Aug 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:20:58 PM

I sure bet that they can find a way to reduce their spending instead...
Profile Pic
DrCashFlow
Champion Author Massachusetts

Posts:7,064
Points:1,627,125
Joined:Jun 2008
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:20:50 PM

always looking for more power and revenues
Profile Pic
DEG
Champion Author Las Vegas

Posts:17,620
Points:3,494,705
Joined:Jul 2003
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:19:56 PM

Politicians that propose toll roads need to be recalled or voted out of office.
Profile Pic
monieet
All-Star Author California

Posts:964
Points:530,080
Joined:Mar 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:18:58 PM

Is it working in California?
Profile Pic
clhvn
Champion Author Columbus

Posts:1,449
Points:101,685
Joined:Jun 2010
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:18:10 PM

I may pay 15% in income tax but after state income, city income, state sales, Social Security, work man's comp, unemployment, gas and Medicare to name a few I'm at 50%. Just another tax.
Profile Pic
big_mac64
Champion Author Tennessee

Posts:10,593
Points:1,485,690
Joined:May 2005
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:10:44 PM

just another name for a tax
Profile Pic
hcivic
Champion Author Virginia

Posts:3,854
Points:2,265,715
Joined:Aug 2005
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:07:54 PM

he has to go, thats a Republican 4 ya. and I am in Virginia and have to put up with him, cant wait till he leaves
Profile Pic
carloco75
Champion Author Richmond

Posts:3,716
Points:600,365
Joined:Oct 2010
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:05:38 PM

Silly governor...
Profile Pic
carloco75
Champion Author Richmond

Posts:3,716
Points:600,365
Joined:Oct 2010
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:05:11 PM

Silly government...
Profile Pic
Night Owl
Champion Author Toronto

Posts:7,550
Points:1,786,600
Joined:Jul 2004
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 11:02:45 PM

Kick the Virginia governor out of office.
Profile Pic
bvrbill
Champion Author Eugene

Posts:3,217
Points:518,525
Joined:Jul 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:57:36 PM

Not only do they expect pay-to-use, they will not reduce the current fuel taxes. They just keep squeezing.
Profile Pic
FrankTA2
Champion Author New York

Posts:4,293
Points:1,095,310
Joined:Jun 2007
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:55:58 PM

We have toll roads in NJ & NY, no big deal.
Profile Pic
OGW
Champion Author London

Posts:5,324
Points:1,531,150
Joined:Sep 2005
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:53:02 PM

State governments are among the most corrupt in the world.
Profile Pic
Hazelnut
Champion Author Greensboro

Posts:3,184
Points:937,595
Joined:Sep 2003
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:52:24 PM

This shows that the Feds are broke...
Profile Pic
Hazelnut
Champion Author Greensboro

Posts:3,184
Points:937,595
Joined:Sep 2003
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:51:45 PM

North Carolina is joining the fray as they are considering I-95 to be a toll road in the near future (soon).
Profile Pic
reeneedan
Champion Author San Jose

Posts:1,200
Points:385,245
Joined:May 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:48:19 PM

well this what congress wants so they can use our tax money for their corporate welfare payments
Profile Pic
gdognit1955
Champion Author Los Angeles

Posts:6,823
Points:1,360,820
Joined:May 2007
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:47:56 PM

stick it to us anyway they can
Profile Pic
30mpg80
Champion Author Lexington

Posts:10,019
Points:1,486,880
Joined:Nov 2008
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:46:00 PM

Looking to get thrown out of office
Profile Pic
FlyNFool
Champion Author South Carolina

Posts:8,244
Points:1,685,200
Joined:Aug 2008
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:40:08 PM

They used to have a toll on 95 years ago in Petersburg.
Profile Pic
tonoplast
All-Star Author Lexington

Posts:817
Points:447,315
Joined:Apr 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:39:31 PM

If the governor's a millionaire, maybe he should pay more taxes.
Profile Pic
Asbury09
Champion Author Iowa

Posts:7,213
Points:1,530,305
Joined:Jan 2009
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:38:32 PM

we pay one way or another
Profile Pic
JamesCalvin
Champion Author Lancaster

Posts:3,186
Points:519,555
Joined:Nov 2011
Message Posted: Jan 24, 2012 10:38:04 PM

Why don't we enact a tax refund based on government spending!
Post a reply Back to Topics