I recall going through the express lane, the "fast lane" back home and getting charged at least 5 dollars. So it's either get infuriated from the traffic and "save money" or take the fast lane, get charged 5 bucks and get infuriated anyway.
This was in 2013. Fast forward to 2014 and Miami spent 3 billion on more tolls. This was under Gov. Rick Scott's administration. Construction for the tolls on the 169 mile project spanning from Tampa, Orlando, Jackonville, and Miami will continue through 2021.
The worrying part? Not a single resident has had a vote on the tolls or the money being spent on them.
The tolls are supposedly made for those who want to use them and are about "effectively moving traffic". But what about the lanes that give you no choice but to take them? And what if the express lanes end up costing you as much as just waiting in traffic?
These posts on the /r/Miami subreddit detail how locals view MDX's use of the tolls. Money collected from the tolls is never seen back on the roads for repair.
Public transportation, an obvious aid to the public is being neglected in favor of more toll-by-plate lanes. Having used the metro rail public transport I can say it has room to grow if the money were to be properly invested. It's not a very pedestrian city as stated by one reddit user to a tourist.
With its expansion Miami could become a more, accessible, connected city.The sheer convenience would bring more happy tourists to areas like downtown Miami and if it ever happens, Miami Beach. It's time for Miami to put the money where it needs it, public transportation.
I think this is just absurd! How is Miami going to increase the toll rates when Miami is already expensive as is. When spending a nice weekend with your family or loved one be prepared to save for tolls, gas, parking and extra curricular events! Parking is also expected to rise in the Miami Downtown Area, when its regularly ranges from $20-$30 imagine when it becomes more unbearable.
ReplyDeleteThe Metro Rail just might become the new alternate method to enjoy Miami. It won't be long til prices rise up for that as well. How is the construction and toll going to expect to pay itself? Simple, making other alternative ways more expensive for our residents & tourists.
As for the positive viewpoint of this situation, I do agree why pricing would be high since construction itself is at high demand for a lot of drivers. Partially being residents and tourists, these roads need to be re-constructed and well made to avoid any accidents on the roads. Being said, since most of the Miami area is being reconstructed now a lot of the tolls will increase to pay off this debt. If most of our residents and tourists use these roads, why not charge them? Is basically like paying for a parking space for an area or renting something out for personal use. I would understand pricing for now. Since this construction will increase, it will make sense for it to be expensive for all of these users.
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