As the reading incorporated a lot of policies and issues, the topics were broad. They could be tied into each other as I have been learning how the mode transportation or the lack of it affect a great deal. An avid supporter of toll roads for state of Tennessee. I believe that surround states seek employment; but, belittle certain cities. My focus were on the Urban Transportation Policy and its privatization in large urban cities such as San Diego, Orange County, New York and Chicago. The privatization made it more about finances that political machine had to stand down because their illogical arguments were not outweigh the benefits the public were receiving with the less congestion of highway during the everyday commute.
The highway infrastructure was completed with federal funding; however, the carpooling lanes were not being an access and causing more congestion because due to hectic schedule of individual family life no one use them. The Federal Highway Infrastructure planning department was looking for ways people to access each other. However, they wanted to make strong impacts such as economic growth, build structure in urban core, appease both private/public sector, use limited financial resources, and obtain capital investments.
Innovative cities such as San Diego, Orange County, & Houston decide to be proactive and decide to turn their carpool lanes into something more useful HOT lanes. The HOT lanes were high traffics lanes were individuals paid a toll to be able to go faster without being stuck in congested commuter traffic. Technology made way for product differentiation and road pricing. However, not everyone was welcoming of the change. Feeling of the right to access to public roadway. Local and state officials wanted to remove themselves from the equation and decide on privatization.
Private participation in road operations is significant for policy for congestion for several reasons. Investors have the knowledge based and strong desire to make correct forecast demand. Secondly, price setting were more accurately due based on business experience. Lastly, the level of service will be driven by incentive and cash rewards. Government have to focus more on public outcry and increases in taxes. When governmental entities are involved, voters believe they have a higher stake even when they do not reside in the area effect; but, it will improve the quality of life of the people in the area. The ability of private operators to capture the benefits of improve efficiency was so strong that even existing toll rolls have begun to have operating rights sold by state or local government to private investors. For example, the Indiana Toll Road and Chicago Skyway proposal had the major criticism; but, was very successful. The political candidates of Tennessee refuse to push for toll roads or a state tax because the residents from the border states of Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi were against each of them. Nevertheless, their constituents have to continue to face an increase in some form of taxes, loss of job, or our homes. Privatization of government functions maybe the wave of the future for the best policy making decisions.
With Memphis, TN being the largest distribution center of the greater Mid-South area, I believe that the good movements are essential to the local economy. For highway infrastructure, it is a hazardous condition especially getting onto I-55 S going over to West Memphis, AR. The freight trailers have to go around a narrow curve road that seems too small for my SUV. The congestion delays traffic because it is also where the trailers are delivering hazardous material to manufacturing plants on Presidential Islands. The local gas refinery is local on it, as well as, other materials. With our prime location between AR & MS, as well as, our premium freight transportation with FedEx and UPS, the U. S. Interstate Highway System should consider Memphis the next candidate for premium privatization highway infrastructure because local and state government will never give into special interest groups.
