The Red Line is one of the most important transportation projects to come to the region in a long time, and there are a number of ways that it can and will be built. A lot of things have to be considered, and considered fairly and impartially, as it moves forward.
That?s why I think that the General Assembly?s move to override the governor?s veto of the bill that would create an independent citizens? advisory council is a good thing. I hope this was not just about politics, about the Democratic majority trying to stick it to the Republican leader.
The Red Line is too important to be the pawn of pure politics. The governor wanted to establish a citizens? advisory group that he would appoint, and I believe that?s generally a bad idea. By definition, a citizens? group should be independent and shouldn?t be made up of people who support one point of view. There are too many variables at this stage in the development of the Red Line to not have diverse interests represented. An advisory council made up of “just folks” will allow those interests and viewpoints to be properly heard.
E-ZPass transponders
I know that a number of you take Route 301 instead of I-95 when heading south. Now there is some good news for you if you have an E-ZPass transponder. In fact, it might be good news for everyone who uses the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Beginning next spring, you will be able to pay that massive $12 toll electronically. That means some of the queues waiting to pay the tolls will be lessened as drivers will have the option of using one toll lane in each direction that allows them to use E-ZPass. Even though Virginia signed onto the E-ZPass system a couple years ago, the Bridge Tunnel managers weren?t ready to join in. After all, it?s costing them about $1.5 million to add the equipment needed. Nevertheless, I think this is something that will ease congestion there. It?s good to see one of the engineering wonders of the world join the 21st century in terms of toll collection.
Bad driving?
In response to the mention of a survey showing that Maryland drivers did poorly on a questionnaire about driving knowledge, “J” writes: “How very true. Drivers in Maryland cross solid lines, use turning lanes as passing lanes, do not use turn signals, or use them and assume they have the right to cut off another driver even if by inches, drive so close you can?t even see their license plate, and drive at speeds that prevent you from driving the speed limit lest you get run over. The Maryland State Police choose to ignore these violations; otherwise, we?d have more intelligent drivers. Amazing what a few tickets could accomplish.”
Given their resources in the current environment, I think the state police do a pretty good job. I doubt that they blatantly ignore violations. Maybe we should take it on ourselves to become more aware of the rules of the road and to conform to them.
