FAIRFAX COUNTY TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION (TAC)
Meeting Summary
Regular Meeting – December 16, 2014 at 7:30 PM – FCDOT, 4050 Legato Rd, Fairfax, VA 22033
TAC Members in Attendance: Chairman Jeff Parnes (Sully), Vice Chairman Jenifer Joy Madden (Hunter Mill), Secretary Roger Hoskin (Mason), Alan Young (At-Large), Kevin Morse (Braddock), Mike Champness (Dranesville), and Eric Thiel (Springfield). .
TAC Members Absent: Harry Zimmerman (Lee), Frank Cohn (Mt. Vernon), and Micah Himmel (Providence).
Others in Attendance: FCDOT staff: Calvin Lam and Michael McGurk (Transurban).
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Parnes at 7:35 p.m. The TAC moved to accept the minutes from the previous meeting as modified per Commissioner Champness.
Note Taker: Roger Hoskin
Main Topics Discussed
I-95/495 Express Lanes Update
Michael McGurk, Transurban, gave a presentation on the status of the newly opened I-95 Express lanes. Mr. McGurk reviewed the mechanics of the new road’s operation and refinements since the opening of the I-495 Express Lanes. The I-95 Express Lanes operate 24/7 and tolling is always in effect. Lanes close briefly because the I-95 Express Lanes are reversible; operating south to north in the morning and switching north to south in the evening. The lanes are close from 11 AM to 1 PM for lane reversal and again from 12 AM to 2 AM for reversal. However, actual times may vary slightly depending on current traffic conditions.
The new road has slip lanes to permit travelers to enter and exit at points along the highway. Most exits are right side exits; however, two are left side exits. The dynamic pricing on I-95 Express Lanes means tolls change periodically in order to manage traffic flow on the road. The objective is to maintain a minimum speed for all drivers. Thus, a traveler does not “lock-in” a toll for the entire distance. The traveler gets pricing information upon entry for a maximum of three upcoming exits. During a trip, a driver may see overhead pricing signs for more distant exits, with that information the driver can decide to continue on the Express Lanes or exit onto the non-tolled (general purpose) lanes.
Tolls are collected electronically using an E-ZPass device. Most vehicles are tolled. Exceptions are busses, motorcycles and vehicles with three or more occupants. Vehicles with three or more occupants use a special E-ZPass Flex device. When the Flex mode is turned on, the vehicle travels toll free.
The Express Lanes are monitored both electronically and by State Troopers to detect and resolve incidents as quickly as possible as well as catching scofflaws.
During the questioning period, Commissioners asked numerous questions such as: what is the maximum toll? The answer was that there is no maximum, but tolls should average about $6 to $8. How are the HOV+3 enforced? The answer was that State Troopers are patrolling the facility. Mr. McGurk pointed out that Transurban employs Safety trucks to aid motorists in difficulty as well as responding to accidents. The trucks can respond without call if an incident is observed. Further questions centered on the mechanics of using the E-ZPass device as well as purchase costs of the pass and replenishment of funds.
Mr. McGurk responded to Commissioners’ questions regarding “missed and unpaid tolls by referring to Transurban’s new leniency program. He also pointed out that nonpayers could promptly settle unpaid tolls electronically.
TAC Employee Transportation Achievement Award
The Commission viewed a brief video of Jeff Parnes awarding the 2013 TAC Employee Achievement Award to Jane Rosenbaum during a Board of Supervisors meeting. In the video, the Board expressed its thanks to the TAC for undertaking this roll for recognition of employee contributions to the County.
Comment & Feedback on Previous Meeting’s Presentation: None
Other Business:
Summary of the Board of Transportation Meeting of December 9, 2014
The first topic was proposed improvements to I-66 (outside of the Beltway). The proposed improvements are from the Beltway to Haymarket. The project will have its own website and logo. Community outreach meetings are scheduled to begin in early 2015.
The topic that drew the most comments from the TAC was the Potential Sidewalk Snow Removal Study. VDOT has no responsibility for snow removal on sidewalks, and the County’s policy on snow remove is that there is no policy. Fairfax County Maintenance and Storm Water Management Division has responsibility for snow removal at County facilities. Fairfax County has responsibility for snow removal Wiehle—Reston East Bus Vault and Kiss and Ride. WMATA has responsibility for Metro stations. VRE is responsible for their facilities.
However, as the County moves to more transit oriented development and urban centers like Tysons Corner and Reston Town Center, there is increasing dependency on walkways to support that development. Currently, the expectation is that businesses and homeowners will voluntarily take on the role of snow removal. But there are no official rules mandating it.
In summary, Commissioners thought stakeholders should assume responsibility for now remove in their immediate area and questions weather voluntary efforts would suffice. There could be a role for the TAC in developing a proposed snow removal policy.
Planned Agenda for Next Meeting
• January 20, 2015:
- Silver Line Bus Service Update – Nick Perfili (FCDOT)
- Citizen’s Comments – Transportation Access Issues (Stuart Whitaker)
Topics for Future Meetings:
• February 17, 2015: I-66 Corridor Improvement Project (Bob Kuhn, FCDOT)
• March 17, 2015: Route 7 Core Widening (Tad Borkowski, FCDOT)
• April 21, 2015: Comprehensive Plan and Transportation staff and Planning Commission discussions with TAC on what their vision is for future development and any changes in planning and zoning guidelines that may be needed to account for future work environment given the pace and impacts of technology advances (including guest speaker to explain impact of self-driving/smart cars, buses and trucks on traffic, roadways and intersections)
• May 19, 2015: Comprehensive Plan and Transportation staff and Planning Commission discussions with TAC on how planning for areas currently planned for future rail stations reflects the designation of the areas as future rail stations
• June 16, 2015: CTB Determination of Corridor of Statewide Importance through Loudoun/Prince William Counties
Annoucement:
We are awaiting for suggested dates from the Planning Commission’s Transportation Committee Chair, Janyce Hedetniemi, to hold a joint TAC/PCTC meeting.
Commissioner Parnes suggested invited Trails & Sidewalks Committee members for update about trails maintenance and spending, possibly at the Work Session on March 3, 2015.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned as 9:40 p.m.
Upcoming Events:
January 20, 2015 10:00 am Board Transportation Committee Meeting
Upcoming Meetings:
January 6, 2015 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
January 20, 2015 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
February 3, 2015 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
February 17, 2015 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
March 3, 2015 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
March 17, 2015 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
April 7, 2015 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
April 21, 2015 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
May 5, 2015 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
May 19, 2015 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)