Tollroadnews.com and Miami Hearld Excerpts
However, due to public outcry MDX will hold the following meetings to further engage the public. MDX staff has sought help from civic groups, including the chamber of commerce, Miami Dade College (MDC) and Florida International University (FIU) to spread the word about the upcoming meetings. In addition, SunPass will be sending an email broadcast to its approximate 350,000 customers as part of the awareness campaign.
On Monday, June 10th there will be a presentation via webinar on the MDX's Internet website - http://mdxway.com/.
The second meeting will be on Tuesday, June 11th, an open house at MDX headquarters, located at 3790 NW 21st St. MDX staff will be ready to explain the proposal to anyone choosing to attend.
On Tuesday, June 18th, MDX will hold a public hearing allowing the public a chance to speak on the new toll rate increase set at 60c per toll versus 70c due to the public backlash. MDX will also explain the consequences of the lower increase that MDX board members are expected to vote on shortly there after.
Background:
As part of the transition to all-electronic tolling (AET) the MDX is adding toll points to collect on more trips but at a lower toll rate per toll point. In this case there will be tolls at NW97thAv, NW57thAv and NW17thAv and on ramps not now covered. Motorists traveling nearly the full length of the tollroad from Florida's Turnpike HEFT (821) in the west 12 miles, 20km to I-95 downtown Miami will therefore pay 3x70c=$2.10 as agreed March 26 or if the lower toll is approved next month $1.80.
At present they hit the mainline toll plaza near NE97thAv and a 75c toll both directions and an eastbound only toll of $1.00 at NW17thAv, so a round trip is $2.50, or 10.4c/mile. The eastbound trip is currently $1.75 or 14.6c/mile while the westbound trip is 75c or 6.3c/mile. In the central section of the pike there are lots of free rides.
With three 70c toll points both directions of travel will be $2.10 or 17.5c/mile. With the 60c tolls, $1.80, and 15c/mile. For trips using ramps between the three mainline toll points 30c will be charged.
Video tolls double tag tolls
Video tolls double tag tolls
All rates mentioned so far are for trips with a transponder account. Video tolls or 'toll-by-plate' will be double the transponder tolls.
70c tolls at the mainline toll points of the 836 were estimated to generate $53m extra a year which compares to the MDX current revenue from all four tollroads of $123m/year. At 60c tolls they'd generate about $44m extra.
So the cost of a walkback on the main 836 tolls would be nearly $10m/year.
Projects costing some $400m are planned for the 836. This includes new ramps at the I-95, some fourth laning, some jump-overs of close on- and off- ramps to reduce weaving issues and other modernization of interchanges.
The toll changes would go into effect in the summer of 2014 when AET is planned to begin here.
MDX last increased tolls in 2005 and the consumer price index has risen 25% in the last eight years.
70c tolls at the mainline toll points of the 836 were estimated to generate $53m extra a year which compares to the MDX current revenue from all four tollroads of $123m/year. At 60c tolls they'd generate about $44m extra.
So the cost of a walkback on the main 836 tolls would be nearly $10m/year.
Projects costing some $400m are planned for the 836. This includes new ramps at the I-95, some fourth laning, some jump-overs of close on- and off- ramps to reduce weaving issues and other modernization of interchanges.
The toll changes would go into effect in the summer of 2014 when AET is planned to begin here.
MDX last increased tolls in 2005 and the consumer price index has risen 25% in the last eight years.
Reference Links
MDX may lower tolls on State Road 836, but other improvements may suffer - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com
http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/6532
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