Permanently removing the toll on Ga. Highway 400 could inspire trust among motorists who must endure another decade of the toll, a state senator from North Fulton contends.
“This is a simple matter of trust. These actions are a perfect example of why citizens don’t trust their government,” state Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, said in an op-ed. “While well intentioned, I fear this ill-fated decision will undermine future transportation funding efforts and reasonable toll projects.
“If we cannot honor our word and remove the Georgia 400 toll, no voter on any future toll project will have confidence or trust,” Albers added. “Make no mistake; future toll roads can be an important component to relieve congestion for new road construction. Removing the toll would be a perfect opportunity to rebuild a bond of conviction between voters and government.”
Despite the fact that officials 20 years ago said a toll on Ga. Highway 400 would cease in 2011, state authorities in September agreed to extend the toll for another decade. With the decision by the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority, the 50 cent toll will remain in place until 2020.
At the time, officials say they need the funding to pay for much-needed infrastructure improvements.
During this year’s legislative session, Albers introduced a bill to end the toll.