Pointy-Headed Congressional Committee Files Report
Posted on January 24, 2008
Filed Under HOURS OF SERVICE, IN THE NEWS
The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission released its report on January 15, on how to spend highway money, and reduce congestion. They recommended changes in the current hours of service rules, to allow drivers to stop their 14 hour clocks with off-duty periods. Presently, the clock starts running at the beginning of your shift, and runs continually for 14 hours, and cannot be stopped. This would allow drivers who are, for example, on the outskirts of New York City at the beginning of rush hour to shutdown for a few hours, get a nap, and then go through when the roads have somewhat cleared, rather than beating your head against a wall of traffic at 5 mph for 3 hours.
Of course, before you get all excited, keep two things in mind. One, most committees in Washington talk, talk, talk, and nothing ever happens, so that’s likely here. Two, they also recommended higher tolls, higher fuel taxes, and congestion pricing. So, it’s just as likely you’ll pay more to drive, and still have to follow the 14 hour rule.
Comments
Leave a Reply
