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Post by highlander73 on Jan 6, 2009 23:16:35 GMT -4
4 months until I can retire. PA is looking pretty good to this soon to be ex-federal employee - no state income tax there for state, civil, military of federal retirees! Geez...so how many PA residents will be paying for the state services you use? (roads, hospitals, state police) Everything costs money people. People always looking for freebies and easy ways out is the reason this economy is in trouble. Just spend my tax money wisely (not likely in this day and age of politicians) and I'll gladly hand over a reasonable percentage of my income.
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Post by tacobell on Jan 7, 2009 1:10:31 GMT -4
Here's my email list: mdtatollrates@mdta.state.md.us, michael.busch@house.state.md.us, norman.conway@house.state.md.us, shelia.hixson@house.state.md.us, thomas.v.mike.miller@senate.state.md.us, ulysses.currie@senate.state.md.us, cbillups@qac.org, cfordonski@qac.org, ej.pipkin@senate.state.md.us, ewargotz@qac.org, ggarrettson@mdta.state.md.us, gransom@qac.org, jborders@qac.org, kcimino@mdta.state.md.us, ksaab@mdot.state.md.us, mary.roe.walkup@house.state.md.us, mbrown1@mdta.state.md.us, mdta@baybridge.com, mdta@mdtransportationauthority.com, michael.smigiel@house.state.md.us, njester@mdta.state.md.us, pgunther@qac.org, richard.sossi@house.state.md.us You should add M.OM and the authority board to your list. Dont know hpw much good its gonna do tho, sounds like its a done thing.
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Post by pete1 on Jan 7, 2009 1:34:51 GMT -4
My Friends.... The 14th amendment to the Constitution guarantees you due process of law. The government can't fine you or take your property without a court date. (see shoreterp post)This bridge crap smells like the red lite camera BS. If 500 citizens crossed the ditch with a pocket full pennies during the 4th of July peak hours the message would be heard across the Country...Pete Richter
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Post by ravensfan on Jan 7, 2009 7:21:02 GMT -4
Another alternative, for those who don't use the EZ Pass to commute, is to find a state that doesn't have a monthly fee and purchase from them. $18.00=7 trips across the bridge.
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Post by AquaHolic on Jan 7, 2009 8:27:41 GMT -4
Somebody tell me WHY, in this day & age and technology, WHY is there a time limit on my account WHEN IT'S BACKED UP BY MY CREDIT CARD? Why isn't it PAY AS YOU GO? Good questions....ours is backed up by our credit card too... Barb
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Post by foiiinobody on Jan 7, 2009 9:18:55 GMT -4
All this is very interesting. Most of you are looking at this from the single driver crossing the bridge and not using all their tolls. What about those of us who carpool?!?! There are 4 of us in the carpool and three of us have commuter ezpass. There is no way that we'll be able to use all the credits. And I agree with someone's post about getting a rebate/credit for use of the ezpass system, AND allowing that credit and additional credits to those that carpool too. Stay Safe
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Post by dej on Jan 7, 2009 11:08:30 GMT -4
[/quote] I know I'm sounding like a Bay Bridge/MdTA advocate, but I'm just confused and kinda shocked at how close to selfish some people are being. It really just sounds like everyone is arguing that they deserve a reduced fair and not looking at things objectively, which is tantamount to NIMBY (Not In My BackYard). [/quote] So not being an advocate and looking at it objectively, you seem to believe there's no waste and inefficiency to cut in the MDTA, so we should pay more?
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Post by hisea on Jan 7, 2009 11:55:54 GMT -4
Most of the time I like to get kissed before I get screwed! This is normal operating mood here in Maryland under the control of the spread the wealth govt. Its getting hard for me to bailout wall street, auto manufactures an maryland! Line up please I have a few dollars left.
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Post by highlander73 on Jan 7, 2009 12:06:37 GMT -4
So not being an advocate and looking at it objectively, you seem to believe there's no waste and inefficiency to cut in the MDTA, so we should pay more? I didn't say that, don't even try to put those words in my mouth, er, screen. I want better services like Pimpkin's review of the bridge safety but I'm not fool-hardy enough to believe things like that are going to be covered under existing funds. Where do you think the $ for the (ugly, substandard, etc) bridge repair this year was going to come from? All I'm saying is you currently get a discount that the MdTA has determined they can no longer sustain and want to POTENTIALLY reduce the amount of your discount (NOT eliminate it) and everyone is up in arms. Look at the thread title, its not even accurate - MdTA didn't raise anyone's rates except truckers. Don't want to pay EZ-Pass fee? - fine return it. Be more upset it will cost you more at the grocery store because shipping is going to cost more due to trucker's paying more. The world is changing such that what used to be a discount for reduced services now is the norm, and as such the discount needs to be rescinded a little. EZPass is the same way - once a majority of the people convert to EZPass it can no longer be considered a discounted service because it is the norm. The non-EZPass people have been subsidizing the EZ-Pass people for a while I'm assuming, and that likely no longer sustainable. So we need to give back a little - and potentially none at all if you use the service enough. Its like we've been getting the milk for free and now the cow owner wants to charge you and you are upset about it. Perhaps we should have realized they were only getting us addicted to milk so one day they could charge us more one day!
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Post by RobMoore on Jan 7, 2009 17:41:14 GMT -4
If they need more money, they should get it from the cash customers. Raise it to $3.00, which not only gets the state more money, but increases the flow a bit with less people needing change back. Honestly, how many beach-goers would think twice about $3.00 vs $2.50? Those two quarters are probably sitting somewhere under their seat as I type this, covered in dust and grime, ready to be sucked up in the vacuum after they wash their car this spring.
EZpass should be a substantial advantage. The more people with EZ pass, the less backup at the bridge, and less manpower needed at the tolls.
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Post by highlander73 on Jan 7, 2009 18:27:01 GMT -4
If they need more money, they should get it from the cash customers. Raise it to $3.00, which not only gets the state more money, but increases the flow a bit with less people needing change back. Honestly, how many beach-goers would think twice about $3.00 vs $2.50? Those two quarters are probably sitting somewhere under their seat as I type this, covered in dust and grime, ready to be sucked up in the vacuum after they wash their car this spring. EZpass should be a substantial advantage. The more people with EZ pass, the less backup at the bridge, and less manpower needed at the tolls. Good idea and sound logic (I like the "traffic moves faster due to the no-change" point) but its still another version of NIMBY - don't do unto me, do unto that other guy.
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Post by emsguru on Jan 7, 2009 18:37:07 GMT -4
If they need more money, they should get it from the cash customers. Raise it to $3.00, which not only gets the state more money, but increases the flow a bit with less people needing change back. Honestly, how many beach-goers would think twice about $3.00 vs $2.50? Those two quarters are probably sitting somewhere under their seat as I type this, covered in dust and grime, ready to be sucked up in the vacuum after they wash their car this spring. EZpass should be a substantial advantage. The more people with EZ pass, the less backup at the bridge, and less manpower needed at the tolls. Very good idea. Was just looking online and its 2 dollars each way for the key bridge. Why not just make cash four dollars? If the state wants to eventualy go to majority ez pass they will never get anyone to switch from cash to ez pass if they are going to have to pay $1.50 a month to only use it on the weekends in the summer for OC. I believe we really have it a little better than others in the state because we are only paying 2.50 one way and its a four mile bridge. others are paying 2 each way for a 1.5 mile bridge.
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Post by bchevy on Jan 7, 2009 18:51:25 GMT -4
If they need more money, they should get it from the cash customers. Raise it to $3.00, which not only gets the state more money, but increases the flow a bit with less people needing change back. Honestly, how many beach-goers would think twice about $3.00 vs $2.50? Those two quarters are probably sitting somewhere under their seat as I type this, covered in dust and grime, ready to be sucked up in the vacuum after they wash their car this spring. EZpass should be a substantial advantage. The more people with EZ pass, the less backup at the bridge, and less manpower needed at the tolls. Good idea and sound logic (I like the "traffic moves faster due to the no-change" point) but its still another version of NIMBY - don't do unto me, do unto that other guy. Just what's wrong with NIMBY? I don't want my toll money to pay for other toll facilities, that's just wrong. Raise the tolls on the facilities that don't pay for themselves, better yet, CUT THE FAT AT EVERY TOLL FACILITY What fat do we have at the bay bridge? 1 to 3 empty police cars as decoys at any given time, Telephones ON the bridge Pink thingys so we don't tailgate EZPASS readers at every toll gate, yet we still have closed gates with working EZPASS readers. The slowest toll takers I've ever experienced, from New Hampshire to Florida and as far west as Las Vegas. We have the slowest. YES, NIMBY, let my, (OUR) tolls stay at the Bay Bridge, it makes money the way it is now so there's no reason for a rate increase.
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Post by constructr on Jan 7, 2009 18:57:22 GMT -4
You forgot about the VERY COSTLY emergency repairs that needed to be, and STILL need to be done, because MANY over-paid MdTA officials didn't DO THEIR JOBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by falgar25 on Jan 7, 2009 20:36:03 GMT -4
Look at the thread title, its not even accurate - MdTA didn't raise anyone's rates except truckers. The rate charged for possession of the E-ZPass is $0/month today with a proposal to raise it to $1.50/month later this year. I suppose the $21 "fee" is not a "rate increase" but when I look in my wallet after the $21 is gone.... A rose, by any other name, still has thorns! I doubt that very much. The $25 that is charged to my credit card for 25 commuter trips using E-ZPass is the same amount as the $25 someone else pays for a commuter ticket book. $25 is $25 and 25 trips is 25 trips. The difference is, over the course of two years, let's say 500 trips, I have used exactly zero seconds of a toll-takers time and I have used exactly zero ticket books. The non-E-ZPass person has used maybe 2 1/2 hours of toll-takers time and 20 ticket books. Sure, my E-ZPass transponder must have cost something, maybe the $21 they now want to charge me? I don't know what they pay a toll-taker, but I'm going to guess it is more than $8/hour. So I just don't see how I am the one being subsidized here.
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Post by bluecrabber on Jan 7, 2009 20:56:44 GMT -4
Thanks for responding falgar to highlander.. I was going to but sometimes I just don't have the energy..
By the way, as I posted elsewhere, the bridge takes in about $15 million or more in tolls each year. About half that is spent on maintenance.. where does the rest go? Best regards, BC
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Post by BRIDGEgirl on Jan 8, 2009 0:24:06 GMT -4
Thanks for responding falgar to highlander.. I was going to but sometimes I just don't have the energy.. By the way, as I posted elsewhere, the bridge takes in about $15 million or more in tolls each year. About half that is spent on maintenance.. where does the rest go? Best regards, BC According to today's Bay Times, the answer to that is the Capital Improvements budget. Current projects are the Inter-county connector and the express lanes on I-95. MDTA is asking for public comments until January 27th. They will be meeting on January 29th. You can email to mdtatollrates@mdta.state.us or you can send a letter to Ron Freeland, 2310 Broening Highway, suite 150, Baltimore, MD 21224. My concern is for friends and family who have obtained non-commuter boxes so they can visit us more easily during heavy tourist months. They only use the boxes once or twice a month. Also, think about all the advertising dollars the state spent on promoting EZpass to tourists---waste of $$.
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Post by highlander73 on Jan 8, 2009 10:51:45 GMT -4
The rate charged for possession of the E-ZPass is $0/month today with a proposal to raise it to $1.50/month later this year. I suppose the $21 "fee" is not a "rate increase" but when I look in my wallet after the $21 is gone.... A rose, by any other name, still has thorns! Again, it's YOUR choice to use the service. Don't want to pay $1.50? - return the box. But you won't because you want the discount, want the fast lane, etc. Why would you expect something to be free forever simply because it always has been? Do you not think costs for EZPass systems has increase SOMETHING over the course of it's lifetime? Cash is most often the least expensive method of debt collection - the transaction is completed immediately, you can count it over and over to do accounting, it doesn't get lost in a computer, and in this case if you don't pay you can't cross. Ya think? Again, why do you think it is free? Credit card transactions, account managers, debt collectors, equipment maintenance, ticketing and ticket fine collection, website management, etc. Do you really think it DOESN'T cost $21 in 2 years for that? I really think the free EZ-Pass thing was a 'teaser' rate and now we are hooked. The alternative? - wait in line with your $2.50. I'm just saying everything isn't free or won't always will be. I can live with that.
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Post by highlander73 on Jan 8, 2009 10:56:08 GMT -4
What fat do we have at the bay bridge? 1 to 3 empty police cars as decoys at any given time, The empty police cars are an example of cutting the fat (no officer to pay) and making use of sunk costs (vehicle cost, insurance).
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2009 11:23:29 GMT -4
The state is not buying extra cars to sit around as decoys. They are allowed only so many cars for the number of officers assigned. New officers aren't usually allowed to drive their cars home, so this is probably the new cars sitting. If the state truly wanted long term decoy cars, they would use the retired vehicles. The cars have value, so they get sold.
Anyhow, what is the beef if there are extra cars? Vehicles do breakdown, get involved in crashes, etc.
The cost of a few extra cars is minimal to the state budget woes. It's like worrying about the leaves falling off the tree when the whole tree is dying.
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Post by Rich Fisher on Jan 8, 2009 16:12:29 GMT -4
This was Emailed to me today from E.J. Pipkin's office. They are reading the KIO Forum... I note that you have an active thread regarding the MdTA's "Cost Recovery Program" i.e., fee increases. Should you wish to add this to the thread, I am attaching a copy of a press release from EJ regarding toll increases and some legislation he plans on filing in the upcoming session on this issue. Please let us know if you have any questions. Please also feel free to have members of your forum contact our office at 410-841-3639 or at ej.pipkin@senate.state.md.us with any questions or comments about this or any other topic. January 7, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEN. PIPKIN URGES BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS TO PUSH BAY BRIDGE INSPECTION Senator E. J. Pipkin (R. Upper Shore 36) today appeared before the Board of Public Works to call for an independent inspection of all seven Bay Bridge construction components using the latest state-of-the-art inspection technology. Noting the recent release of the Maryland Transportation Authority’s latest plan for “squeezing more money out of toll facility users,” Pipkin said, “I have been asking for a bridge inspection for months and the Authority has responded with increases in user fees.” The Authority is “remarkable at speaking out of both sides of its mouth,” said Pipkin. In December, the Executive Director of the Authority said that although the mandated 30-year inspection was five years overdue, “the westbound span cable inspection is still within the appropriate timeframe.” However, MdTA Chief Engineer Kohlberg admitted that cable inspection “once every thirty years is not often enough.” Pipkin said, “These statements are clearly in conflict. No wonder there is little confidence in bridge management.” Senator Pipkin is introducing a legislative package, The Bay Bridge Users’ Bill of Rights of 2009 to address Bridge safety and traffic management. The package includes bills to: • Prohibit toll and fee increases until the independent inspection of all seven components of the Bridge is completed. The seven types of components are: concrete beams, steel beams and girders, continuous steel girders, steel deck truss, deck cantilever, through truss and suspension. • Establish a Task Force to determine the effect of truck traffic on the Bridge’s stability. • Require legislative review and approval for fee and toll increases. • Repeal the increase in the MdTA’s bonding authority to stop the funneling of Bridge toll revenue to the ICC or other transportation projects. • Waive tolls whenever there is a thirty-minute traffic jam. The MdTA has waived tolls in the past when confronted with traffic jams despite their protests that tolls do not hinder bridge traffic management. • Require submission for a third bay bridge under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). ”It is no comfort to realize that if the tragic August 10th accident had not occurred, radar and ultrasonic inspection technology would not have been used to discover the corroding steel inside the Jersey Wall. We have to ask ourselves – what else don’t we know about the condition of the bridge? The need for a thorough independent inspection of the bridge, using the latest technology, is as obvious as it is necessary. The MdTA should not need any urging to perform such an inspection,” declared Pipkin. The Eastern Shore lawmaker will continue to urge Bridge users to call the Governor’s Office – 410-974-3901 - urging the Bridge inspection. You can contact E.J. Pipkin via Email at: ej.pipkin@senate.state.md.us or call him at 410-841-3639.
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Post by AquaHolic on Jan 8, 2009 17:57:02 GMT -4
WOW Rich...you are on the map now...You have the Senate reading the forum...giggle! I hope Pipkin can get something done...I respect him for at least trying as it seems no other Government Employee cares that if the bridge fails...it could be something beyond horrible with loss of life....and cost the state billions in dollars. I can imagine all the law suits being aimed at the State for NOT taking the proper care of the bridge over the years as much as that has been publicized. Barb Edit: I just emailed him...I wish him luck...at least he is making noise...maybe someone will hear him.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2009 21:05:44 GMT -4
Glad to see Pipkin is wired in to what the people are saying and feeling......especialy dealing with the bridge.
How about this for those conspiracy people out there.....The government monitors everything dealing with communications. Their watching whether we want it or not, for good or for bad reasons.
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Post by falgar25 on Jan 8, 2009 22:24:26 GMT -4
Ya think? Again, why do you think it is free? Credit card transactions, account managers, debt collectors, equipment maintenance, ticketing and ticket fine collection, website management, etc. Do you really think it DOESN'T cost $21 in 2 years for that? I really think the free EZ-Pass thing was a 'teaser' rate and now we are hooked. The alternative? - wait in line with your $2.50. I'm just saying everything isn't free or won't always will be. I can live with that. Yeah, I think, that's why I wrote it. I wasn't arguing that my E-ZPass cost nothing over two years. I was taking exception to the argument that I was being subsidized by the non-E-ZPass travelers. I still believe that my figures are correct: on the same plan (commuter, shopper, none), E-ZPass should cost less than a toll-taker. If you are OK with the idea of paying more money to the bridge authority, let's work something out. You can send me the additional money I will be charged and I'll give them your money. I'll be happy because I won't have to pay more and you'll be doubly happy because you *do* get to pay more and I'll stop complaining.
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Post by eileen on Jan 8, 2009 23:01:10 GMT -4
Glad to see Pipkin is wired in to what the people are saying and feeling......especialy dealing with the bridge. How about this for those conspiracy people out there.....The government monitors everything dealing with communications. Their watching whether we want it or not, for good or for bad reasons.
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