[AnotherUnixGeek]

The projects would add four toll lanes each to Maryland’s portion of the Capital Beltway (I-495) and to I-270 from the Beltway to Frederick.

So they're going to charge motorists tolls to use the roads that their taxes paid to construct and maintain. Government at work.

[bus man]

So they're going to charge motorists tolls to use the roads that their taxes paid to construct and maintain.

No they're not. Read the article. Hogan is quoted as saying that only the new lanes will be tolled; the existing lanes will remain free. In other words -- every bit of the highway capacity that you have available for free today will remain free.

Personally I can't wait for this to be done. That way, I have a choice: pay more (through tolls) for a faster ride, or go for free but endure congestion. Everyone gets to decide for themselves what their time is worth, and whether or not it's worth it to use the toll lanes.

I would just hope that they would use the HOV-3 technology on the E-Z Pass like Virginia does, so that carpoolers can use the HOV lanes for free.

And for those (not Freepers, most likely) who are complaining this plan somehow shortchanges mass transit, that just shows how little they know. Maryland already has an extensive system of commuter buses that run from various suburbs into Washington. Letting them use the HOV lanes will do wonders to speed their trip and thus make them even more attractive to a much wider share of the commuting population. I would envision the ridership to skyrocket once these lanes open.