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Montgomery Co. Council Approves Measures to Ease Traffic Congestion
posted 11/17/09
5:43 pm
The two major changes are high-occupancy toll lanes and a light rail.
For quite some time, Marilyn Balcombe of the Corridor Cities Transitway Coalition has been hopeful the county would do something to ease commuting along I-270.
"The main goal has got to be getting cars off the road and onto transit and we feel light rail is going to do that," she said.
The Montgomery County Council agreed. By a vote of six to three Tuesday, the nine-member panel approved the use of light rail instead of bus rapid transit along the Corridor Cities Transitway.
The 14-mile stretch will run between Shady Grove and Clarksburg. The cost of light rail could be up to $1 billion, twice as much as the bus rapid transit proposal.
Some council members couldn't justify spending the extra money. "I think it's very difficult for us to make a decision to suggest that somebody spend twice as much money with no gains in ridership, speed or any other gains of value," said Councilman Marc Elrich.
But others believe light rail is the best way to get people to leave their cars at home. "I do think in the long run it's the better vision for that corridor. It's permanent, it's reliable [and] it's dependable," said Councilwoman Nancy Floreen.
The council also approved hot lanes along the highly traveled interstate. The reversible lanes -- which would switch between north and southbound depending on traffic -- would be free to carpools and vans. But people driving alone would have to pay.
"It may not hurt but it may not do a whole lot of good," said a motorist.
Construction on the light rail could begin as early as 2012 -- news that is music to Balcombe's ears. "If it starts in 2012, we will be riding it in 2015, 2016," she said.
The two recommendations will have to be sent to the state for approval. The light rail will now have to compete with the red and purple lines for federal funding.
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