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ThoughtPool Topic:

"Why do people run red-lights?"

Our first ThoughtPool topic, “Why do people run red lights?” was e-mailed to ThoughtPool@hotmail.com in response to last issue’s article "Putting the Brakes on Red Light Violators". The author of the e-mail writes, “A basic point about red light violation is being over looked. Why do most people run red lights?” Many readers can empathize with the contributor’s response: “Because of frustration, as an extreme amount of time and gas is wasted sitting at red lights.”  

The author presses the importance of using new technology to give major roads longer “green time” and switch to flashing lights during times of low volume. Many of these author’s points are voiced by the community.

A District 7 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Traffic Operations Specialist took the time to give insight to concerns expressed above. 

More “Green Time”

FDOT agrees with this concerned citizen. The signal lights are currently operating on a coordinated signal system, and the major corridors are favored over the side streets. However, “Even with a coordinated system, the spacing requirements make it nearly impossible for there to be no stops on two way streets,” states the Traffic Specialist.   

The spacing requirements are based on the speed at which cars travel on each road and the distance between lights. Why do the side street lights not coordinate between gaps on the major roads? Vehicles travel slower on side streets so their arrival time at major intersections cannot always be precisely anticipated.  

It seems logical that longer green lights will increase the flow of traffic and reduce congestion, but take a look at Interstate 275, a road that does not have a light on it.  Many are familiar with the traffic that awaits the daily interstate commute, on a road that is always in “green time.”

 Flashing Traffic Signals

Safety is key to operations at FDOT. On a major road a flashing signal would be yellow, signifying caution. FDOT often chooses not to place flashing caution lights on major roads because many drivers do not actually exhibit caution at the flashing light. Quite often, drivers interpret a flashing caution light as an invitation to an “open road” and a high speed accident results. 

Red Light Running

As the population of the Tampa Bay area grows, so does the traffic congestion and the commute frustration. However, the FDOT Traffic Specialist warns, “Frustration due to increasing traffic volumes is in no way a justification for running a red light.” Patience is a virtue. 

We all know there is no quick fix. As soon as one road is widened or a light is added, a hundred more people have moved to Tampa. “The fact of the matter is that there are a lot of cars out there; congestion exists even on limited access roadways without traffic signals.” Solutions do take time. But he reassures us, “Transit engineers are hard at work to provide solutions that will move more vehicle volumes safely.” Remember, it is not worth compromising your safety (or your life) to run a red light. 

Recently, we celebrated the first Vanniversary at the James A. Haley Veterans Administration on Bruce B. Downs. What is a vanniversary, you ask?  A vanniversary is a celebration of the one-year anniversary of a vanpool team and their commitment to improving the community! The vanpool was awarded with a One-Year Vanniversary Certificate, Perkins muffins, and $100 in Commuter Bucks to apply toward the cost of the vanpool.  The vanniversary is designed to support and encourage the vanpools continuing participation as well as highlight the effects of vanpooling for other employees at the worksite.

The community and the County are both applying pressure on HARTline. The question is, will HARTline be able to accommodate everyone’s needs? Citizens want convenient close routes. The county does not want to foot the cost of better service. HARTline simply wants to increase ridership. If Hillsborough County ceases funding of the bus system, HARTline would likely suffer serious consequences. 

In March, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio declared it was time to “decide what kind of mass transit system we need and must have for the future, devise a plan and put it before the voters.” However, the commissioners in charge of putting the issue on the ballot are interested in finding out what type of service the public is willing to pay for and how much.

With current routes, added express routes, new hybrid buses, and proposed services from downtown to New Tampa, FishHawk Ranch and Riverview, it is no wonder that HARTline is clamoring for assistance.

The commissioners are interested in re-surveying Hillsborough County residents, based on the 1980 survey, regarding what type of services they desire from the bus system. Many citizens believe the tax dollars invested in the Hillsborough County bus system are wasted on a service that is sparsely utilized. Other residents believe a bus system is a necessary service and worthwhile asset to the community. In 1980 HARTline was voted into existence by a 54% - 46% margin. What will the margin in a vote for HARTline be 25 years later?

In the meantime, HARTline is dealing with the matter of ridership by giving itself a facelift. Federal transportation grants will allow them to purchase new buses. “This is the changing look of our service,” said board member Ken Hoyt. “These buses are more attractive, more modern, more inviting.'”  

The magical roads of Tampa Bay are pulling a disappearing act on our precious time; transforming hours of our lives into stressful commutes. Although we can rest assured our State, City and counties are working hard to improve our options, we certainly will not hold our breath. Instead of making faces and gestures at neighboring cars, consider putting that creativity to a more productive use. Here is a list of what some people use their commute time to accomplish.

Choose a favorite genre, particular story, or something completely new.  Some people even choose to try lessons on tape. This can be a great opportunity to learn a little more about your field or brush up on another language. 

• Silence is golden

Many enjoy their ride time as a time to organize their thoughts without outside pressures.

• Practice presentations out loud

There is no one to hear all the ums, ahs, and repetitions. Catch mistakes before your audience does.

Upcoming projects? Need solutions? Use commute time as creative thinking time. Use your cell phone or recorder to keep track of all the great ideas.

Discover a new channel you did not know existed. Find a new favorite genre of music.

Want to save money & make better use of your time by carpooling or vanpooling-
but don't know anyone to share the commute with?
We may be able to help! Join the regional rideshare database by following the link on the Commuter page of our website, www.newnorthalliance.org,  or by calling 813-974-9799 to speak with a New North Transportation Alliance representative.