The state’s transportation plan has stalled. The law enacted by the legislature (H.B. 1590, Act 44 of 2007) that authorizes placing tolls on Interstate 80 is not beneficial to the majority of Pennsylvania residents. Neither the public nor legislators want an increase in the gas tax, since Pennsylvania already has the second-highest gas tax in the nation and it’s likely we will reach $4 a gallon by the summer. We still have a viable solution to our transportation crisis, however: as I have said previously, privatizing the Pennsylvania Turnpike is a much better option than any other plans that have been offered.

Even the state Senate Majority Leader Joe Scarnati of Brockway has seen the light. He originally voted for House Bill 1590, but in November said he opposed tolling I-80 and has been talking of advancing his own leasing proposal.

Privatizing the turnpike would provide us with enough funding to repair our roads and bridges and even build some new structures in heavily congested areas that need relief. While various groups, such as the National Construction Alliance, are putting more pressure on the federal government to increase funding for transportation issues, Pennsylvania can’t afford to wait until then. But it’s not just because of money, it’s because of public safety - news reports of bridges collapsing and crashes on poorly maintained roads are clear signs that we must heed or pay the consequences.

Leasing the turnpike would also generate sufficient money without imposing new taxes on Pennsylvania residents. I don’t advocate just giving the opportunity to the highest bidder, however. With national security and other considerations at stake, we must review very carefully the caliber of companies bidding to take over management of the turnpike. The governor has already taken bids from over 44 interested companies. I believe the bid details and amounts should be made available to the public in order to make the process more transparent and allow us to weigh in. I also believe that any agreement should clearly protect the jobs of current turnpike workers.

Privatizing roads is a very workable plan for the Commonwealth’s transportation needs. It has worked in Indiana, which has a fully funded transportation plan because of its leasing agreement. Why shouldn’t Pennsylvania be able to say the same?

Public-private partnerships between businesses, government and communities have been successful for many situations in the past. There is no good reason to assume that this type of partnership wouldn’t be effective in this case. The best thing Pennsylvania can do for its transportation problems is to stop driving around in circles. Let’s get the show on the road and privatize the turnpike for the benefit of all Commonwealth residents.

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