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Ideas to ease traffic congestion in central Florida could cost drivers
Posted: 3:04 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, 2013
WFTV.com
ORLANDO, Fla. — More toll roads on some of central Florida's roads is one idea on the table to solve the congested transportation system problems. Channel 9's Racquel Asa found another solution could be charging drivers coming into downtown Orlando. The whole idea of the study is to get more of central Florida's roads running more smoothly throughout the day instead of just off-peak hours.
But that could mean bringing toll roads down to the main roads. It's not an idea set in stone, but it's one MetroPlan is looking at and studying how it would affect not just the main roads, but side roads, too.
"It's fair to say that the managed lanes concept as it's being used now has applications on other types of roadways," said Eric Hill of MetroPlan Orlando, who is the project manager.
Part of the study would also look at creating a downtown core where drivers would need to pay to drive into the city during peak times.
MetroPlan Orlando got the concept from London, and San Francisco is also considering the idea. But central Florida drivers who spoke with Asa said they don't like any of the ideas that are currently being considered.
"Oh, no. I would rather keep the one option where we don't have to pay," said driver Raul Ramirez.
Ramierez said charging people to drive into downtown Orlando would force him to change his driving habits.
"I'd take a bus. I'd leave my car somewhere and take a bus and go over there," he said.
The ideas are just a few of dozens being considered right now by MetroPlan, who still has a year and a half to study whether the changes would even make a difference on central Florida's roads.
"There is going to probably be a combination that creates a unique approach for us," said Hill.
The 18-month study will cost $500,000. It's being funded through a federal grant, MetroPlan Orlando and the Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority.