The Dallas Mix-Master Question
Different studies show between 65% and 80% of downtown mix-master traffic is through traffic, traffic not stopping in Dallas. It comes from outside Dallas traveling to destinations outside Dallas. Why does Dallas not focus on developing a way to divert this large majority of traffic away from the downtown mix-master?
It would be much less expensive and easier to expand the capacity of the Loop 12/635 alternatives than it is to expand our central mix-master capacity.
Using toll tag technology, not widely available in 1998, a ring of toll tag booths could circle Dallas at Loop 12/635. (A similar system started in Stockholm in 2006 has had tremendously positive benefits!) Traffic could be diverted by charging a toll ($20 - $35?) to traffic crossing this loop twice at opposite ends of Dallas, and going though the Mixmaster without stopping. There would be no toll charge for cars and trucks going around the Loop 12/635 Loop, or if they stopped for business or lunch as they went through Dallas. Tolls could be timed to go down as you spend more time in Dallas. For example, the toll could go to zero after three hours spent inside Dallas.
Such timing would increase the number of people who stop to enjoy our city, our quiet, world famous Trinity River Park, or who drive around the loop, totally avoiding downtown.
Such a diversion of traffic would certainly lessen noise, pollution, and congestion near downtown Dallas, making a more attractive place to live.
Why do we want traffic coming from outside Dallas, and going to destinations outside Dallas, to go through the heart of our city?
Bill Betzen
bbetzen@aol.com
www.studentmotivation.org