FASCISTS: TSTC:

Said the Tri-State Transp Campaign (TSTC) recently: “Transportation reform advocates in this region (NY, NJ, CT) have opposed HOV lane construction in recent years because they are thinly veiled highway expansions. When HOVs divert to new dedicated lanes, they open up space for more drive-alone vehicles in the general traffic lanes.” (Tri-State Transp Campaign, Weekly Electronic Bulletin #139: 7/22/97) And for these guys providing more space for SOVs is BAD. They just don’t want to see anyone catering to solo auto driving, which they believe should be subjected to ever increasing congestion and frustration. Solo auto commuting is anti-social, even evil, for them, and absolutely nothing must be done to accomodate it. Motorists be damned! No more highway expansion, they say.

These people need to be described for what they are — transport-fascists. When it comes to the automobile they are just haters. No respect for individual preferences, for the right to choose a car. They know what is good for everyone, and they want to force their preferred modes on everyone else, so every use of gas tax funds for any road enhancement is virulently opposed. If they had their way every cent of gas tax would go to transit, bicycle paths and walking trails.

I’ve met some of these guys. Bright, interesting, likeable and in many matters they seem reasonable. But for them the car is a GREAT SATAN and inspires them to a burning intolerance and fanaticism. Their stance on transport modes is authoritarianism pure and simple.

* “Cars get out” a play on the Nazi chant outside Jewish businesses and houses: “Juden Rauss”