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Thoughtpool Topic:

"Why do people run red-lights?"

Citizen vs. State

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 own 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 prevalent in the community. That is why this letter deserves a credible answer.

 Enter District 7, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). A traffic operations specialist took the time to give insight to concerns expressed above. 

More “Green Time”

Coincidentally, the 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 their arrival at major intersections cannot always be coordinated properly.  

It seems logical that longer green light 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 a daily commute there, and the interstate is always in “green-time.”

 Flashing Traffic Signals

Safety is key to the operations at FDOT. On a major road a flashing signal would be yellow, signifying caution. The FDOT often chooses not to place flashing caution lights on major roads because many drivers do not 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 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 to 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 subsidy. HARTline simply wants to increase ridership. If Hillsborough County decides to stop funding the bus system, there would be fatal consequences to HARTline. 

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 why HARTline is clamoring for assistance.

The commissioners are interested in re-surveying Hillsborough County based on the 1980 survey regarding what type of services they desire from the county 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% win. What will the margin 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.'”  

It’s a Gas!
Tips to reduce pains at the pump!

On a recent trip to the gas station I noticed the gentleman across from me chuckling aloud.  He noticed me eyeing him curiously and said, “This has got to be a joke.”  Referring to the rising gas prices, his perception is becoming more and more common.  Who would have guessed in a year’s time gas prices would surge up more than forty cents from the comfortable $1.77 to today’s $2.27?

As you get in your car to go to work or to make that extra trip to Starbucks, you may want to keep in mind these gas-saving tips from AAA:

 - If you own more than one car, use the more fuel-efficient car as much as possible.

 - Combine trips to reduce miles.

- Find one location to run most errands.

- Comparison shop by phone or internet.

- Slow down!  A fast vehicle burns more fuel.

- Avoid quick starts and sudden stops.

- Routine car maintenance ensures fuel efficiency.

- Try Carpool, Vanpool or Transit!

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.