Leave a comment

chimalis December 13 2006, 17:47:17 UTC
Only if I don't have the pay the taxes that go toward fixing the road I don't use anymore.

What bullshit.

Reply

mathmanatm December 13 2006, 17:52:05 UTC
The thing is, you would probably still use the ordinary roads too. Tolls for the MnPass lanes fluctuate based on the number of cars using them, to ensure that the MnPass lanes can stay at the speed limit. So sometimes, you might only pay $0.50 to use them, but you might end up paying $8.00 for the same stretch of road in a higher traffic density time.

Reply

chimalis December 13 2006, 17:56:31 UTC
But it's pretty much just another way to scam money from people who like to pay more to get "the best". Even if I had the money, I wouldn't hand it over. This is ridiculous.

Reply

mathmanatm December 13 2006, 19:01:29 UTC
Can you elaborate on why you think this is a scam? I still think it's a good idea, so maybe I'm missing something.

Reply

chimalis December 13 2006, 19:26:32 UTC
I guess I think that the expensive road will really be no different than the free road, and the road commission thinks is a good way to get people to give their money away.

Reply

mathmanatm December 13 2006, 19:46:02 UTC
See, that's where the premise is interesting. If the 'expensive' road starts to get busy, there are sensors which update the prices at the checkpoints each minute. So, as the 'expensive' road starts to get busy, cost for the 'expensive' lane starts to grow prohibitive. In this way, the 'expensive' lane maintains its high speed status for those who are either desperate, frustrated or rich.

Also, funds from the tolls go toward maintenance of the 'expensive' lanes, so if they're used frequently they should be in damn good condition. :) I'm sure that MnPASS would see a lot of subscribers leave if they felt the roads weren't being maintained properly.

Reply

chimalis December 13 2006, 20:06:12 UTC
It just tastes like capitalism run amok to me. Governments are supposed to provide services, not make money. I just don't like it.

Reply

chemdebem December 13 2006, 21:27:54 UTC
oooo I like this person! Who is this!

Agreed and agreed. And agreed.

Reply

mathmanatm December 13 2006, 21:46:21 UTC
Isn't this a service?

Reply

chemdebem December 13 2006, 21:26:39 UTC
Agreeeeeeeed.

Reply


Leave a comment

Up