Bruce Abanathie
September 23, 2021 at 1:24 pm - Reply
This conversation needs to be broadened to include more discussion on funding and financing alternatives and getting the information out to agencies on accessing the fund streams.
Given the unprecedented economic crisis, it is natural to assume there is no appetite for additional taxes, fees, or charges. People are already hurting and policymakers are frantic to provide relief. However, the reasons those places were pursuing pricing will not disappear once the crisis abates. Cleaner air, better access, and a more efficient network will remain top priorities in these and other places. These things may even be higher priorities if traffic congestion surpasses levels seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This conversation needs to be broadened to include more discussion on funding and financing alternatives and getting the information out to agencies on accessing the fund streams.
Given the unprecedented economic crisis, it is natural to assume there is no appetite for additional taxes, fees, or charges. People are already hurting and policymakers are frantic to provide relief. However, the reasons those places were pursuing pricing will not disappear once the crisis abates. Cleaner air, better access, and a more efficient network will remain top priorities in these and other places. These things may even be higher priorities if traffic congestion surpasses levels seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.