LETTER: Astounded by Rafael Lopez

I am astounded by how little thought and research Mr. Lopez has put into his transportation plan. Listening to Mr. Lopez talk about transportation issues in Prince William County, it appears that he is
just mouthing the party line without any real knowledge of the problem. Mr. Lopez has stated that he would vote for HOT lanes to be constructed on Interstate 95. Current construction underway on I-95
will add an additional lane both Northbound and Southbound from the Fairfax County Parkway to Route 123 in Woodbridge. There will still be two HOV lanes. These additional lanes are long overdue and
should not be utilized for any “special” purpose.

HOT lanes will be accommodated by converting the current two carpool lanes into three lanes. Currently carpoolers would be required to obtain a special car-pool tracking device to allow them to continue
to use the lanes free. Qualifying for the HOV lanes by picking up riders (slugs) at designated areas would disappear. Carpooling would be discouraged as it would not add to the coffers of the private
managing firm.

HOT lanes will create additional traffic in the restricted lanes. Anyone who has commuted to Crystal City or D.C knows that the Current HOV lanes are already at or near capacity during morning and
evening rush hours. Tolls for the HOT lanes will change according to traffic conditions to regulate demand for the lanes and keep them congestion free - even during peak hours. There have been estimates
that the yearly cost to use the HOT lanes between Dumfries and D.C. could run as high as $8,000.

We need to ensure that the delegate we elect will be looking at transportation improvements that go beyond the current road structure. We will never get Metro if no one starts the push. Luke Torian has
stated that he will work to get Metro south of Springfield.  He will also look at other solutions like the expansion of VRE and locating more jobs in Prince William. Vote Torian for the 52nd.

JANE THOMPSON

Woodbridge