T RANSPORTATION in Virginia needs to address
This view of transportation has gone about as far as it can go, and it's way past time for a new model that addresses the needs of the very young, the very old, the disabled and the poor, not to mention people who would prefer healthful, environmentally friendly alternatives such as walking and bicycling.
On Dec. 3, in a transportation town hall meeting at Walker-Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg, governor-elect Tim Kaine asked for ideas on the future of transportation in Virginia. Here are some of mine.
First, create statewide transportation systems other than highways and freight railroads. Transportation needs do not end
Bike routes and trails and sidewalks have a significant role to play in local travel. The people of Charlottesville know that safe walking and bicycling routes are not just for recreation but are used by adults, children and senior citizens to go places.
Under our present system, many people who want to go somewhere are expected to find
Safe walking and bicycling routes can alleviate this; however, they require not just paved trails but systems for safety. Every traffic signal should have an exclusive pedestrian light as part of its cycle. If no one pushes the button, motor traffic is not delayed at all. People who want to cross the street would get enough time to get across while other traffic stops.
Safe walking and biking routes also require incentives. Developers of every project in Virginia should have to answer a question: What will you do to encourage people to travel to and from your development on foot, by bicycle and by public transportation?
We also are more than ready for a statewide passenger rail system. The Trans-Dominion Express, with four trains a day serving Bristol, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Washington and Richmond, was partly funded almost six years ago but has yet to leave the station. It would provide transportation choices to millions of Virginians. Fund it fully and make it happen.
Something else to begin in 2006--before the Jamestown 2007 celebration--is additional passenger train service to and from Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The present Amtrak service is infrequent and expensive ($40 or $50 for a round trip from Fredericksburg to Richmond, for example).
Four more trains a day on the lines from Richmond to Newport News, Washington and Virginia Beach (which has no passenger trains even though it is the largest city in Virginia) plus the Trans-Dominion Express make 16 trains a day. This is fewer than Virginia Railway Express runs. It is not going to break the bank, but it is going to make a huge difference in how it is possible to get around our commonwealth.
Second, make the roads safe
Third, make the existing local public transportation systems more than a workaround for people who don't drive. The Washington Metro is an exception and a model: It is the preferred way for many people to get around the Washington area. We don't need rail rapid transit everywhere, but we do need more than infrequent local buses that merely accommodate those who have no other way to get around.
We can afford this. I can afford this. A few years ago I calculated that paying the Fredericksburg gas tax to support VRE was costing me 50 cents a month. Maybe it's a dollar now. Make it $10 or $20 and give me ways to get around Virginia seven days a week that don't involve a traffic nightmare. I'll gladly pay it and I'll probably get half of it back by not driving so much.
OK, I've had my say. How about you? Whether you want to see a different model for transportation in Virginia or are happy with things as they are, you can express your views to the next governor by e-mailing transpor
Email: tation@govelect.virginia.gov.
STEVE DUNHAM of Spotsylvania County commutes on Virginia Railway Express to Arlington. He chairs the board of directors of the Virginia Association of Railway Patrons. Write him c/o Commuter Crossroads, The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401, or e-mail
Email: literalman@aol.com.