Opposition to a plan to increase fees on a Virginia tollroad may result in a pullout by private interests, leaving the state with the burden of paying for its transportation infrastructure -- a task that may be impossible, according to this article.
"Whether motivated by campaign season or a sincere desire to 'protect' the public interest, Congressman Frank Wolf's increasingly vocal opposition to the recent toll increase on the Dulles Greenway is unfortunately misguided. Worse, it could harm the Commonwealth's ability to provide the transportation infrastructure needed to reduce congestion and improve mobility for years to come."
"In reaction to the toll increases, Congressman Wolf has convinced Attorney General Robert McDonnell to review the Greenway operator's recently approved toll rate increase, and has called for the General Assembly to undo the law that created the Greenway in the first place."
"More than 55,000 commuters daily choose to avoid the congested parallel Route 7 and pay $3.00 to use the Greenway. The Greenway is a form of congestion insurance, giving commuters an option if they need to get somewhere fast. It's reasonable to expect that users will continue to value their time and will pay a little extra for the convenience and time savings associated with using the Greenway. Remember, this is a voluntary decision on the part of the commuters - to pay for avoiding congestion."
FULL STORY: Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions