Wednesday, October 20, 2010

TPO October 20, 2010

The Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) met this morning at the Regional Building in Chesapeake.

There is a proposed amendment to the TPO By-Laws to move meetings from the 3rd Wednesday at 10:30 A.M. to the 3rd Thursday at 9:30 A.M. The idea is to allow our region's Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) members to attend. There were some objections raised by Peninsula representatives over having to drive to Chesapeake on back to back mornings for meetings (the HRPDC meets on the 3rd Wednesday), effectively taking a half day for them each day. It was suggested that either the HRPDC meetings also be moved, or that the meetings be put in separate weeks. The vote on the amendment would come at the TPO's November 17 meeting.

The TPO approved the proposed Scope Of Work for Phase 1B of the region's High Speed Rail Vision Plan.

The TPO's Citizen Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) reported out, favoring a state Gasoline Tax increase that would be indexed to inflation. Also, they'd like to see a regional transportation funding package. Finally, they wish for a military representative to brief the CTB annually on the military's transportation needs in our region.

The TPO voted for it's annual Legislative Package after a stormy debate over a clause advocating a regional transportation authority. In addition, they decided to include a clause endorsing expansion of the Midtown Tunnel.

6 comments:

thesh00ter said...

a proposed gas tax huh? how do u think this will unfold in Richmond?

Avenging Archangel said...

Dead in the House of Delegates.

thesh00ter said...

sigh

that's what i thought. well geez is there any solution? u may not agree but i think they should just get off there high horse and go private like Japan. the train companies there compete and they use TOD to help with making income so more then likely they don't have to have high fares. but what am i saying this is the US. sigh again

Anonymous said...

Wait a minute! Citizens want a tax INCREASE!!??

(this is a sarcasm post - I'm all for a tax increase because There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch!)

Amanda Jennings said...

Not quite TPO related, but it is a transit question (since you ride the bus everywhere): When will new bus schedules be released (especially for the 23 and 26)? HRT won't give me an answer.

Avenging Archangel said...

Amanda,

Probably when they get back from the printer.

(I was on the 26 on Monday, and the 23 yesterday.)