IP condemns "FAST Lanes" proposal for its Flawed Structure and Weak Vision

Jim Moore, Chair of the Independence Party of Minnesota, denounced the Pawlenty Administration's "FAST Lanes" proposal for its flawed structure. The proposal seeks bids from private companies to build and own new toll roads in an attempt to alleviate traffic congestion. "This proposal lacks a basic understanding of market economics" said Moore, adding, "Should private companies build and own toll roads, the state would create an economic incentive to eliminate any investment in alternative transportation options lest they compete with the private toll road for usage." Ironically, if "FAST Lanes" is implemented, it will lead to more congestion since private companies, as a condition for building the toll roads, will negotiate terms that will ensure that alternative transportation solutions will not undercut their investment. Such a system will place the public interest of reducing congestion at odds with the private interest of the toll road owners recouping their investment and making a profit.

For example, Moore cited California's State Route 91, a privately owned toll road, which has an "Absolute Protection Zone" that prevents the State from making improvements to alternative public routes for 35 years. This stipulation was required by the owner of the toll road to protect their company's investment and prevent their revenues from being weakened. This 35 year prohibition prevents the government from developing solutions to future needs as they arise. There is a distinct possibility that as California attempts to address future congestion problems, it would be forced to purchase the lanes in order to implement new transportation solutions in the public's interest.

"Pawlenty's budget priorities place transportation investment at odds with his 'no new taxes pledge' and he is now limited to a 'something for nothing option' that is detrimental to our future transportation system," said Moore. "Such hare brained thinking is precisely why we need to elect more public officials with business experience so public interests are balanced against private sector realities" said Moore.

Additionally, Moore blasted the assumption that the toll roads would be turned over for public use once they are paid for. Illinois residents have been waiting over 40 years for a similar promise to become reality.

Overall, while this proposal claims to be one of several approaches to address Minnesota's traffic congestion problems, it serves to undercut investment into other transportation options, such as parallel road arteries, buses, light rail, and personal rapid transit, since they would compete with to toll road for usage. "Such short term thinking will invariably lead to more congestion in the future" said Moore. He continued "Surely we could initiate a bolder, more comprehensive transportation plan that looks to the future. We need to structure flexibility into such a plan to allow for the development of more efficient and cost effective transportation solutions."

Released: 12/30/03