The Hampton Roads transportation issues can be solved through a cooperative effort between all area cities on an extensive train based mass transit system that ties all of the cities together with stops at every major economic/business center in each city. Further mass transit capabilities can be added through alternative fuel based HRT buses. The funding for the construction of the train system could be a cooperative tax between the cities of 3% on all consumer purchases, with the revenues going into a stable interest generating fund dedicated to construction ONLY. Once the construction has been completed, the fund will be closed. Additionally, transporation responsibilities should be given back to the Virginia Department of Transportation to ensure that all efforts for the same are standardized and well reviewed and funded. Local transportation workers should have their employment transitioned back into VDOT.
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agree... mostly
This would be great if we could get this to fund a regional mass transit system using light rail. However, I think that the account should be maintained for construction AND maintenance. Under no circumstace should it pay anybody's salary, but this would help keep the direct costs to the cities low. I also disagree with the VDOT part. VDOT is not exactly what I would call a model management company. HRT should be privatized. The construction/maintainance fund should be maintained by the HRMPO. The Private HRT would submit construction/maintanence reciepts to HRMPO for reimbursement. HRMPO would the audit each expense to make sure they are reasonable and needed. The private HRT would then recover personel expenses from user fares and advertising. I bet that this would be feasible and it would encourage HRT to act reasonably and responsibly.
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