Could Virginia sell the tolling rights to local bridges and tunnels?

This is a fascinating idea that's has a huge amount of potential and obviously it needs some really hefty analysis.

Del. Phil Hamilton, R-Newport News, is really driving the idea right now. He brought it up a couple of weeks ago, when he and Del. G. Glenn Oder were still waiting to hear if the Virginia Department of Transportation was going to study expanding the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

Now that that study is underway, Hamilton is making some more noise about using the private sector to leverage transportation priorities. Hamilton made the point in an email and official letter to Transportatotion Secretary Pierce Homer.

"I believe transportation concessions need to be more actively pursued by you and VDOT. Concessions offer an opportunity to maximize the existing transportation assets of Virginia. Concessions are nothing more than long-term lease agreements, not sales. Please do not ignore the potential of the private sector and transportation concessions to address the transportation congestion needs of Hampton Roads."

The basic idea is - the state would set up a deal with a private contractor to build a new pair of tubes at the HRBT (or whatever project) and then sign over tolling rights to the company for a certain number of years - probably around 50. The state would get some say in setting the price - so the company couldn't just run up the tally to make money - and then the contractor would go ahead and use the money to build more roads, bridges - whathaveyou.

It's an interesting idea that people have floated before with regards to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and it relies heavily on tolls and new tolling technology.

Obviously there would need to be a big push to get everyone the EZpass cards so people wouldn't have to slow down and toss a nickel in a bucket. But Hamilton is quick to point out that back in the early 70s drivers were paying to use the crossing - why not now as the region grows desperate for transportation solutions?

"I don't know what the reluctance is," Hamilton said. "People always say let's let the users pay for it."

Hamilton's thoughts have apparently raised some interest in the private sector, because he said that three people have already requested meetings. Hamilton went to Richmond on Wednesday to meet with House Speaker Bill Howell and one of these interested businessesmen. According to Hamilton, Howell is very interested in the idea and wants to talk with federal folks about the potential for concessions.

It's coming out of our pocket - thoughts?

Comments

[NotAnnCulter]

At least one legislator is trying to address the transportation issue in Hampton Roads. Hamilton is right about tolls. The users of the roads pay for the roads. The Governor needs to get behind this proactive idea in order to start improving the transportation network in Hampton Roads. In checking Hamilton’s website, delegatephilhamilton.org, I see that his idea would work for the HRBT and other congestion relief projects. I hope the other Hampton Roads legislators follow Hamilton’s lead on this idea.

[James Atticus Bowden]

It is a good idea. It doesn't require a Regional Government to mismanage.

Glad that some Republicans are on board with the citizens after trying to cram the MPO/HRPDC/HRTA solution - that doesn't work, with the wrong taxes, and the wrong, unelected, unaccountable Regional Government.

They need to keep the Regional Government out of the mix at the Governor's transportation special session.