Hampton Roads Transportation

[ronsmytheiii]

a Toll would be terrible on traffic, the state really needs to improve the HRBT before imposing any tolls:

Alarmed by last summer's flood-caused shutdown of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, a Northern Virginia lawmaker has introduced a bill to impose a $2 toll on that facility and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. Del. Joe May, R-Leesburg, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, says the measure would raise an estimated $100 million a year.

May said Tuesday that he was "somewhat taken aback" by what he learned in the aftermath of the July 2 flooding incident that shut down the westbound Hampton Roads tube for eight hours and brought traffic in the region to a virtual standstill.

Besides the House transportation panel, May also chairs the Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability, which heard testimony from state transportation officials after the tunnel shutdown.

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/lawmaker-calls-2-tolls-hrbt-monitormerrimac

[MissySchmidt]

a Toll would be terrible on traffic, the state really needs to improve the HRBT before imposing any tolls:

http://hamptonroads....monitormerrimac

ok, but where would the money come from to improve HRBT or any other road or rail project? you gotta pay to play.

[mikeas]

They will waste all this toll money on an over priced contractor to maintain pumps and keep the tile shiny...

[rusthebuss]

ok, but where would the money come from to improve HRBT or any other road or rail project? you gotta pay to play.

what about all the money that leaves this area and never come back.....The ports are a big part of why the traffic is bad here...So why should we pay the tolls? Why should we be taxed even more when the state takes so much from this area. If we keep letting this happen the state is going to strip even more from this area and use the money elsewhere. First thing that needs to be looked at is why so much money is being wasted.

[MissySchmidt]

what about all the money that leaves this area and never come back.....The ports are a big part of why the traffic is bad here...So why should we pay the tolls? Why should we be taxed even more when the state takes so much from this area. If we keep letting this happen the state is going to strip even more from this area and use the money elsewhere. First thing that needs to be looked at is why so much money is being wasted.

the money to which you refer is mainly funding from Virginia's sales tax on gas, which is $0.175/gallon, an amount that has not changed since January 1, 1987 when it increased from $0.15/gallon... and an amount with the purchasing power of about half of that amount due to inflation. the funding in VA just hasn't kept pace with road construction and maintenance costs. Restoring that purchasing power would require a tax rate of 36 cents per gallon. did you know that drivers in Northern VA pay an additional 2% gas tax to help pay for their public transportation? our gas tax barely compares to other nations. The UK, for instance, pays on average well over $6/gallon, nearly 1/2 of which is tax. Now, unfortunately, due to years of not addressing the problems, we are in such a hole, just increasing the gas tax alone won't do it.

tolls? my husband and I drive to central NY state to see his kids every 3 weekends. tolls in MD, DE, PA and NY amount to about $50 each trip.

yes, the ports are a big part of why we have traffic... so are the military.... so are tourists.... ALL jobs (and customers) that equate to approx. 70% of the region's economy. if we didn't have the ports, military and tourism, we wouldn't even need roads, would we?

as for money wasted... are you referring to VDOT?

Let's have a reality check and look at some real VDOT numbers:

2002 On-time Performance 30% Today 86%

2002 On-Budget Performance 61% Today 93%

2002 Employees 10,192 Today 7,830 and with more lay-offs coming will have dropped employment levels to 7,500 workers by the end of this fiscal year (June 30th)

Now let's look at some other VDOT numbers:

2002 Six-Year Improvement Program $10.5 Billion Today $4.6 Billion

Construction Funds Transferred to Maintenance $3.6 Million Today $712.6 Million

Hasn't your own rent or mortgage gone up? your utilities? your food bill? the cost of your car? mine sure has.

thoughts?

[ronsmytheiii]

13News has learned there are several people being considered for the top job at Hampton Roads Transit. The board of commissioners governing HRT meets Thursday in Hampton to discuss an interim replacement for president and CEO Michael Townes, who steps down Feb. 1.

Calls to commissioners Wednesday showed no consensus yet.

http://www.wvec.com/news/local/Multiple-names-under-consideration-for-HRT-chief-82824512.html

[ronsmytheiii]

Philip Shucet was named today as interim president and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit, replacing the embattled Michael Townes, who resigned earlier this month. Shucet is a transportation consultant and former commissioner of VDOT. For the past two months, he has been working as a consultant to Norfolk on its light rail project.

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/shucet-named-interim-hrt-leader-replacing-townes

[jbhay]

From the first paragraph of this, he sounds legit! Looking forward to his ideas.

Inside Biz - Phil Shucet

Edited January 29, 2010 by jbhay

[ronsmytheiii]

From the first paragraph of this, he sounds legit! Looking forward to his ideas.

Inside Biz - Phil Shucet

Especially the whole "graduated from Virginia Tech" part

[varider]

http://smartregion.org/2010/01/it%e2%80%99s-unanimous%e2%80%a6-hampton-roads-wants-high-speed-rail/

Great read.

This should show the state and federal governments that Hampton Roads is for real and we must be a part of that second round of fed. $$$.

The real story is how many people showed up tonight; there’s real passion in the region for high speed rail. This is the most important decision in Hampton Roads for the next 50 years.” — Attendee

[MissySchmidt]

http://smartregion.o...igh-speed-rail/

Great read.

This should show the state and federal governments that Hampton Roads is for real and we must be a part of that second round of fed. $$.

Thanks for posting, varider... to everyone who reads the blog post... PLEASE add a comment, especially to share your preferred alternative or support of the regional choice of an enhanced Alternative #1. I was given a copy of the 20-page Technical Memorandum provided by Mayors Fraim and Sessoms to DRPT to explain in detail the "enhancements" suggested. Great read, too!

[varider]

MissySchmidt,

Do you think that we willl receive federal funding in the second round of money to be allocated? It kind of hurt my feelings when I saw Obama announce the initial round of funding and Hampton Roads received nada. The strong support shown from the residents and business community of the region should hold weight when it comes time for $$ to be given out again.

[varider]

http://757hamptonroads.com/2010/02/17/ctb-to-vote-on-hsr-today/

The Commonwealth Transportation Board will vote today on the proposed High Speed rail line from Richmond to Norfolk

I wonder how the meeting went?!

[MissySchmidt]

http://757hamptonroa...e-on-hsr-today/

I wonder how the meeting went?!

send my boss an email and ask him; he sits on the CTB: Dana Dickens [email protected]

[varider]

http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_high-speed-rail_0218feb18,0,2511214.story

RICHMOND - The Commonwealth Transportation Board on Wednesday approved a plan to bring high-speed rail to South Hampton Roads and enhance existing passenger rail on the Peninsula.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation will now apply for federal funding for the rail line, which would bring trains from South Hampton Roads to Richmond at speeds of up to 90 mph.

The plan was seen as a major compromise between Peninsula and South Hampton Roads leaders as they sought to work on behalf of the region as a whole. Leaders had initially squabbled over whether to seek a high-speed rail line on the Peninsula, the only place where passenger train service exists in the region, or a new one in South Hampton Roads. The compromise was made on a unanimous vote at a board meeting of HRTPO in October.

The plan calls for enhancing Peninsula passenger rail service by adding at least one train to the area, which is known for inconsistent departure times, and building a new line on the Norfolk Southern track along Route 460 in South Hampton Roads.

"They can't point to us anymore and say we can't get behind a regional project," said Aubrey Layne, a board member of the CTB from Hampton Roads.

What's next

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation will apply for federal funding from the Federal Railroad Administration to help build the high-speed rail line.

At least the Southside Vs. Peninsula arguments are over. Now we just wait for funding...

[vdogg]

That's actually pretty big. HR wins a rare battle here, I had truly expected us to get screwed over yet again. Funding shouldn't be too big of a problem if we present it right. Getting light rail funded was way more of a longshot than this.

The state plans to apply for a second round of federal stimulus funding in order to pay for the route, which is expected to cost at least $475 million to build. It's expected to attract more than 940,000 passengers annually.

[varider]

I think it's amazing how the region came together as a whole and pushed for what would benefit everyone the most.

It's great to think that in a few years we will have Intercity rail service to Southside Hampton Roads and the Peninsula. This is yet another pro-LR argument for Virginia Beach and LRT. How could they pass on an opportunity to be connected to the National HSR system via LRT? These rail infrastructure improvements and construction projects will only help the region to grow.

[urbanlife]

wow, that is big news. Plus along 460 there would be very few stops if any, except for in Norfolk and Richmond basically. It is a straight route, so once high speed is reached, it will stay that speed the entire distance, try driving 90mph to Richmond up 64 during rush hour...not gonna happen.

Also, this means something else for the region, probably a new train station would need to be built, which means a chance for another piece of great architecture in the city. Train stations are usually the best buildings to attract high end architects for because they are usually statement buildings that try to reflect the city and region and someplace progressive.

[varider]

wow, that is big news. Plus along 460 there would be very few stops if any, except for in Norfolk and Richmond basically. It is a straight route, so once high speed is reached, it will stay that speed the entire distance, try driving 90mph to Richmond up 64 during rush hour...not gonna happen.

Also, this means something else for the region, probably a new train station would need to be built, which means a chance for another piece of great architecture in the city. Train stations are usually the best buildings to attract high end architects for because they are usually statement buildings that try to reflect the city and region and someplace progressive.

Southside Hampton Roads will actually get two new HSR stations. One in Chesapeake @ Bowers Hill and Downtown Norfolk.

[ronsmytheiii]

Southside Hampton Roads will actually get two new HSR stations. One in Chesapeake @ Bowers Hill and Downtown Norfolk.

Is that really such a good idea? Bowers Hill is not that developed, I dont want a developing frenzy in a green area.

[urbanlife]

Is that really such a good idea? Bowers Hill is not that developed, I dont want a developing frenzy in a green area.

Actually Bowers Hill makes sense, there is easy access to the peninsula via 664, as well as make it easier for those that live outside of the metro to get to...plus in the grand scheme of things, it would be nice if the region finally got around to actually building a real international airport, which if they did, Bowers Hill would be a good location for a true international airport.

Sorry if the airport comment takes this off topic a little bit, but it would make alot of sense for the region having a transit hub like this, then there would be the possibility of closing down both Norfolk International and the airport on the peninsula that I always keep forgetting that they actually have.

But this is all pipe dreams, I have never been fond of the airports in the region.

[varider]

I think we do neeed two stations on the Southside. && Bowers Hill is great for, like urbanlife said, access from Northern and Western sections of the metro.

I don't see the need for a mega-airport in Chesapeake though. The two-system ORF/PHF seems to be working just fine. The competition holds prices down, and since the airports aren't that large, there's not really delays like in the major hubs.

[jeffconn]

Southside Hampton Roads will actually get two new HSR stations. One in Chesapeake @ Bowers Hill and Downtown Norfolk.

Wasn't the plan to put the train station near Harbor Park, and make that building a transportation hub, with the Tide, HRT buses, Greyhound, Amtrak, and the ferry all meeting right there? Plus, maybe run that proposed Edenton-Chesapeake train through to downtown?

Oh well, i can dream, can't i?

[VBIllini13]

Wasn't the plan to put the train station near Harbor Park, and make that building a transportation hub, with the Tide, HRT buses, Greyhound, Amtrak, and the ferry all meeting right there? Plus, maybe run that proposed Edenton-Chesapeake train through to downtown?

Oh well, i can dream, can't i?

Actually, the transportation hub (including HSR) is planned on being built at Harbor Park, which is still considered downtown.

[varider]

Actually, the transportation hub (including HSR) is planned on being built at Harbor Park, which is still considered downtown.

Exactly. How awesome will that be? HSR, LRT, Ferries, Inter/Intra-city busses, etc. all in one spot.Now that's big-city ISH