Toll lanes are the wrong way

Re “Official pushes for L.A. toll lanes,” Oct. 26

While the U.S. Department of Transportation characterizes the congestion-pricing scheme it is pushing in L.A. as a solution to the region’s traffic woes, it would be more accurate to call it a fig leaf for the shameful state of government investment in transportation today. Toll lanes and congestion-pricing schemes are left as the only options to improve mobility when the normal model for financing transportation projects through gas and sales taxes is neglected. The 91 express lanes, touted as a success in the article, had to be purchased by the Orange County Transportation Authority to allow the free portion of the highway to be widened for drivers who cannot afford the nearly $10 rush-hour toll.

Raising the federal gas tax (which has not been increased since 1993) and using the additional funds to upgrade freeways and public transit systems is a much better approach to improving mobility than charging tolls.

Tyler Bonstead

Hollywood

--

The Times is incorrect to say that “advocates of congestion pricing believe that making motorists pay a fee or toll for a faster and more reliable commute at peak times will discourage unnecessary driving.”

If the toll is levied only on those seeking a faster drive, those driving unnecessarily will not pay the toll, choosing to continue the free but less reliable drive they currently experience. If the toll is levied on all drivers, it will discourage unnecessary driving because no one will be able to avoid paying.

London recognizes this important distinction. Los Angeles should also devise a plan to discourage unnecessary driving.

Gerry Swider

Sherman Oaks