A caution on rail to Dulles

Investors are now interested in a "Public-Private" partnership to build and operate Metrorail through Tyson's Corner out to Dulles Airport. In return for ownership rights, investors would replace the $900 million the Federal Transit Administration withdrew when the FTA's feasibility studies determined that the costs outweigh the congestion-reducing benefits of the project. And make no mistake, we urgently need more infrastructure to solve our traffic crisis!

My caution is this: Public-Private partnerships lack the restraints imposed on either purely commercial ventures, or purely government projects. The Greenway toll road illustrates the perils of mixing government and private interests. The public-private partnership to build the HOT lanes around the beltway indicates we've not learned from the Greenway experience.

Before weary commuters embrace Metrorail to Dulles at any cost, remember how high "any cost" can climb. We need to make sure that the public, not just government, is represented in these so-called public-private partnerships.

Toll roads, HOT lanes and Metrorail all create a type of monopoly. Monopolies such as utilities are usually closely monitored to protect the interest of consumers or the public. Private ownership of roads leaves the consumer/commuter at the mercy of the investor, unrestrained by a competitive marketplace and inadequately governed by the State Corporation Commission.

Combining businesses' profit motive, unrestricted by a competitive marketplace, with Richmond's disinterest in paying for roads and Metro's lack of fiscal responsibility, combines the worst of private industry and government control, and ultimately leaves the commuters and taxpayers to bear the cost.

When fares fail to meet operating expenses, Metro will look to federal, state and local tax subsidies to make up for whatever monies cannot be squeezed directly out of the ridership, just as it does right now! The SCC will insure that the project is profitable for the investors, just as they did with the Greenway. Taxpayers and riders will pay more.

A wiser plan involves using state funds to expand our highways and dramatically increase bus service to Dulles. It's not a "World Class" solution, but it provides more financial protection to both taxpayers and riders. It's faster and cheaper to build, and it's a scalable and adaptable improvement to meet our transportation needs.

Patricia Phillips
Sterling