WTOP: Virginia Might Buy Greenway

WTOP is reporting Virginia is in negotiations to buy the Dulles Greenway from current owner Toll Road Investors Partnership, a subsidiary of Australia-based Macquarie Group.

The news outlet reported Del. Joe T. May (R-33), who represents western Loudoun, confirmed such negotiations were underway.  

Let us know what you think in the comments below. Should the state buy the Greenway?

TRIP was originally designed as a privately operated toll road by a local family, but the family sold it after it failed to turn a profit. State law was created to permit a 50-year concession of the road, after which it would revert back to the state. The law, however, permits the operator to make a profit, which has resulted in main gate tolls near $5 at rush hour.

Congressman Frank R. Wolf (R-10) has long called the arrangement "highway robbery" and has urged the state to change the law. Attempts to persuade TRIP II to institute distance pricing have been unsuccessful because the owners believe it could result in financial losses.

The tolls are likely to come under greater focus as the state increases tolls for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority-operated Dulles Toll Road to pay for Metro's Silver Line project.

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