[clue-talk] The stimulus bill

Angelo Bertolli angelo.bertolli at gmail.com
Fri Feb 6 00:06:46 MST 2009


Brian Gibson wrote:
> I'm more than willing to put in my fair share as a citizen of this state who uses highways (including I-70), as well as a citizen of this country who benefits from the interstate commerce that passes along the route.  However, I don't plan on footing the entire bill myself, unless the state is willing to cede ownership.  If such an expansion happens, I expect state and federal taxes to be used, perhaps supplemented by private contributions, which is how most major infrastructure projects get done.  Another option would be to charge a toll (a use tax) which has been proposed to help raise the necessary capital.  Make those who use it the most take the brunt of the cost.  But tolls have a habit of lingering long after their original intent, and tolls tend to ratchet upwards.  E-470 just went up $0.25, which I believe is to pay for the video toll system they're putting in place which will cost less to run than the manned booths.  What I don't understand is
>  if the system saves money, why do the drivers have to pay more?

I'll make a guess, based on supply and demand.  I don't know how these 
video tolls work, but if they're more convenient for the customer then 
it stands to reason they can charge more.  With the added convenience, 
they can probably get the same number of cars (or more) even at a higher 
price.  Isn't that really what matters?  Maximizing the price point 
while minimizing maintenance.

Angelo




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