I-66Opposition to tolls on I-66 grew last week as a few local politicians announced their opposition to tolling on I-66, following a Virginia Department of Transportation meeting, Oct. 5, to discuss plans for I-66 inside the Beltway.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors announced that the board will consider a resolution to “OPPOSE TOLLING I-66 INSIDE THE BELTWAY THROUGH THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S I-66 INSIDE THE BELTWAY MULTIMODAL PROJECT," Tuesday.
Greg Scott, the founder of the citizen’s group I-66 Alliance, said he approached Chairman Corey Stewart (R) about the resolution. Scott said Stewart was happy to get on board with his organization’s efforts.
Other local political leaders were also paying attention to the actions of VDOT, regarding tolling inside and outside of the beltway. They have since made their disapproval public.
Virginia State Delegate Bob Marshall (R-13th District), sent out a press release, in which he said, “I have serious concerns about both proposed plans”
Marshall said he was dissatisfied that VDOT plans to add tolls/HOV-3 lanes inside of the beltway when there are no plans to widen the highway in those areas. The tolls would fund bike paths and bus service, and the funds would be managed by an unelected board.
“The estimated tolls could be as high as $17/day which would be over $4,000/year for citizens who use these lanes,” Marshall said.
In the release, Marshall said he also opposes 24/7 tolling and reducing regular-use lanes to make way for toll lanes. Marshall encouraged citizens to learn more about the plans and voice their opinions to VDOT through the Transform66.org website and at the upcoming VDOT meetings.
Marshall’s opponent in the 13th District, Democrat Don Shaw, also stood with the I-66 Alliance in opposing toll lanes on I-66, believing the tolls would be too expensive for commuters.
“Many working-class families who live here left the inside-the-beltway world of higher taxes and cost of living and we can’t afford and extra $85 a week just to get to work,” Shaw wrote in an opinion piece.
Shaw explained that while he opposes this plan, he is an advocate for better commuter transportation options.
“We must extend the VRE to Haymarket, explore bus rapid transit, and study metro extension to our area. But most importantly, we must create a business-friendly environment that brings high-paying jobs to Prince William County," Shaw said.
Del. Rich Anderson (R-51st Virginia District) responded to his constituents' requests by opposing tolling on I-66.
After listening to you, I do what I always do when I hear widely-held views of our neighbors: I do as much reading and research as possible. I’ve done so and conclude one thing about VDOT's proposals:
They’re wrong.
Why? Simply put, the proposal is to take your hard-earned money by tolling I-66 at an extravagant rate of as much as $17 per day or $3000+ per year. That comes straight out of your wallet or purse, just two years after the massive 2013 transportation tax hike that was promised to provide funding for such projects for the foreseeable future.
At a previous meeting, VDOT representatives said HOV-3/toll lanes outside the beltway would be coupled with more bus transit and commuter lots, thus taking more cars off the road.
Several commuters who travel HOV-2, especially those driving fuel-efficient vehicles with special license plates, felt the tolls would cost more than they could afford on a daily basis.
Commuters also disliked that tolls would be used to pay back investors rather than funding transportation projects in the Commonwealth.
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