Re: Toll increases across the US

On Feb 4, 3:18 pm, argatlam_ro...@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:


Now, I fully accept this analysis may not be valid if private
operation produces real economies over public operation. But I have
not seen satisfactory proof of such a claim.

If the agreement is set up such that the owner gets a guaranteed rate
of return and the excess goes to the state..

this is the way that the HOT lanes in Washington DC are apparently
being done although the state IS retaining ownership of the road

but as far as Private industry doing it cheaper than the government...
I can give you a recent example where I live.

3 new roads - each about 2 miles long. Two were designed and built in
18 months. The 3rd one took ten years and cost quite a bit more...

Two of those roads were built by developers as part of proffer
agreements - and they were built FULLY to VDOT standards AND
incorporated into the state system.

The developers who built the 18 month roads made it very clear -
abundantly clear -that it was very important for them to know exactly
when they could proceed because the longer it took to design and build
the road - the more it was going to cost them.. and so once they got
approval. they went to work the very next day and they did not stop..
working through the winter.. stopping only when they had to..

I was AMAZED.. until I saw them do that.. I just figured there was no
way to do it that quick... but again they were very clear - to them
TIME WAS MONEY.

The HOT lanes in Washington are supposed to be completed in under 5
years.. with some claiming that some lanes will be opened as soon as
they are completed in phases...

And again.. the private investors make the same point..the longer it
takes for them to finish the work.. the more they owe in loans.. and
the longer it takes to pay off the loans and start making a profit...

I just don't see that kind of mindset with government projects...
.

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