Sustainable Transit Solutions

Dear Editor,
    I’d like to clarify a few details about the MoPac South project, featured in the May 8 “On the Waterfront” ["Public Notice"] column.
    The Mobility Authority, working with the Texas Department of Transportation, launched the MoPac South Environmental Study in April of 2013 to provide a reliable transportation option to the more than 130,000 vehicles that travel the corridor daily – one of the most congested corridors in the state. In order to respond to community concerns over the proposed connections to Downtown over Lady Bird Lake and other questions, we extended the study period to conclude in 2016. In the months ahead, there will be numerous opportunities for the community to learn more and provide feedback. So what are we proposing? The addition of two, variably priced express lanes in each direction on MoPac South from Cesar Chavez Street to Slaughter Lane. Express lanes will provide Capital Metro Express buses, registered vanpools, and emergency vehicles with a reliable, uncongested, nonstop, toll-free route. To keep the express lanes from becoming congested, individual drivers would be charged a variable toll that increases when traffic is heavy and goes down when traffic is light. The primary goal is not to generate revenue, but to keep the express lanes free flowing as much as possible – which greatly benefits transit options. It is expected that the initial toll rates will be similar to what is anticipated for the MoPac North express lanes currently under construction. Those tolls could range from $0.25 to $4.00 per trip.
    We need to work together as a community to develop sustainable solutions to our ever-growing congestion problem – from improvements such as the MoPac South project to innovative technology solutions such as our recently launched Metropia app that rewards drivers for making trips at nonpeak travel times.