LAist: For Whom the Road Tolls

Lucian

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:51:08 -0800

I've lived here for a while now, and I still don't relate to the obsession so many people have with driving in this city. It's so ironic because the weather is amazing here. Anyways, I agree that people who carpool should not have to pay this toll. Rather than allow some individuals to use the carpool lanes if they can afford it, I would prefer the state focuses on encouraging carpooling more, and improving public transporation. Sure, I have seen the carpool lane empty on some days. But what is even more disturbing is how many cars I see on the road that contain only one person.

rdm24

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:11:22 -0800

I think I should re-phrase my position, because I come across as a jerk. I just don't like the fact that we act as though car-ownership is a right, and we don't have a duty to make cars or freeways accessible to everyone. If people can't afford the toll roads (or car insurance, or gas prices), they should either figure out how to get around other ways, or adjust their budgets appropriately. But we shouldn't subsidize car owners of any economic class. ---

Rainlillie

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 18:20:19 -0800

It's funny watching all the neocons bitch and moan about paying their fair share.

anthonyt

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 17:02:20 -0800

all freeway lanes should be toll lanes. next up: 100% gas tax.

zik

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:42:58 -0800

Keep it free for hybrids/carpoolers, let single passengers pay the toll. Having BOTH pay seems stupid.

Bob LLama

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 13:33:59 -0800

rdm24 - Yeah, thinking about the financial impact of a toll on the lowest-earning members of our community, especially since they comprise the largest number of commuters, and those that drive the farthest, is silly. Fuck'em if they can't afford it, I say.

Lindsay William-Ross

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 12:42:19 -0800

Actually, rdm24, I've been poor with a car before. Lots of people are, in fact. Owning a car can make you poor, or keep you poor, considering maintenance, registration, and insurance. But I do agree we need to focus on public transit as well as our freeways.

marc22386

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 12:32:48 -0800

It would be smarter if they just let anyone use the carpool lanes during off-peak hours, as they do in northern california. but i guess MTA needs more money. But it won't be coming from my pocket.

Greg Katz

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 12:08:19 -0800

Metro says the money will go to improving roads and highways adjacent to the tollways. This is such a gloriously good and long overdue development; I can only hope MTA implements it on the 405 as well. Oh, and if they did it to Wilshire, that would be great.

rdm24

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 11:22:41 -0800

Poor drivers? I'm sorry, but if you can afford a car, you aren't poor. Just because most Angelenos think you can't live here without car doesn't mean it's true. If we are worried about the poor, lets subsidize public transit more. But it's a fair question to ask where the money is going.

torrmoz

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 10:41:15 -0800

this plan is actually a good idea, sometimes i see the carpool sitting near empty. Yes, the point of carpool lanes is/was to encourage ride sharing, but it's not exactly working out as planned.

Bob LLama

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 10:35:23 -0800

Sounds like a terrible idea. The whole point of the diamond lane was to promote more efficient transportation, either via ZEV or carpooling. Making it a toll road will just doom the poor and casual drivers to more gridlock, and do nothing to improve congestion. Where is the money supposed to go?