I'm not an engineer, I'm not an urban planner, I'm not a politician. I'm just a traffic reporter. As a traffic reporter I want tomorrow's big TSPLOST vote to fail. As a traffic reporter I hope for inaction when it comes to improvement on our roads, our infrastructure and our mass transit systems. After all, the failure of the TSPLOST pretty much guarantees me job security for as long as I want. The failure of the TSPLOST to pass ensures I will be able to continue to cover bumper-to-bumper traffic every morning and every afternoon.
As a traffic reporter I would hate for the development of the Atlanta Beltline. I pay my bills reporting on traffic delays in the city that could be alleviated by the Beltline. Why would I want that?
As a traffic reporter I would not like to see improvements on MARTA and localized bus services. The more people that avoid mass transit, the more likely they will choose to drive on the roads. The more people drive on the roads, the more important my job becomes.
As a traffic reporter I fear improvements to the west side of Interstates 285 at 20 in Fulton County. I count on those right lane delays on I-285 and on I-20 to build and build forcing significant jams to develop. Those delays are my bread and butter! Those delays put food on my table!
As a traffic reporter I would hate to see improvements on Ga. 316 and Ga. 141. The better traffic flows on those important arteries, the less I will be needed.
As a traffic reporter I pray that no changes come to the Interstate 75 at Windy Hill intersection, nor the always jammed intersection of I-285 and Ga 400. No matter how bad a day I'm having, I can always count on I-75 and Ga 400 delays to cheer me up.
For the last 15 years I have been an active member of a growth industry — the job of traffic reporter. For the last 15 years traffic has gotten worse, and my job has gotten more important. I'm on the radio, I'm on television, I get to write this traffic column every week. The passing of TSPLOST would put the future of my career in jeopardy.
Sure, less traffic would mean less stress for you. Less traffic would mean you get to spend more time with your family at home. Less traffic would mean less money you spend on gas and auto maintenance.
I understand that you might think that the passing of the TSPLOST might bring economic growth to the region. More jobs, less unemployment. I understand.
Just please don't forget about me tomorrow when you go to vote on the TSPLOST. Remember, a yes vote on the TSPLOST is really a no vote for traffic reporters.
About the Author
