Tolling on the bridge that is most convenient for me to take to work started a few weeks ago.
This has had the predictable side effect, of forcing most traffic off of the bridge that is most convenient for me to take to work. Which is what I was really hoping for (it’s always good to be able to head home from work, whenever one wants…as opposed to when traffic dictates that one should use the roads). Yet, I find myself avoiding the toll when possible.
I find this behavior curious; as I think that the toll is a really good idea…AND I even voted for it (with full knowledge that I would be one of the people paying it). My financial situation hasn’t really changed; I am perfectly capable of affording the toll. Yet, I’ve taken the bus plenty these last few weeks…or since the toll varies based on what time it is, I’ve been all too willing to work a little longer / play basketball a bit more…OR in one case, when I realized that I had left the gym at 10:50 (11:00 is toll free time) and was moving too quickly towards the bridge…prematurely exit the freeway and wait several minutes in a local Windermere parking lot.
I wonder if this will keep up; or if I’ll revert to my old ways of driving most days in the near future.
Furthermore, why am I suddenly hesitant to pay the toll?
I suppose I am guilty of the rules are for everybody but me syndrome. I mean, sure the people who use the bridge should pay for it to be rebuilt…..well, except for me of course…I should be get a shiny brand new bridge at no cost to myself. Wouldn’t everybody like a free bridge to drive across? YOU BET THEY WOULD!
While not a super big deal; I think most people (myself included) require a period of adjustment after change occurs in order to develop a new “routine”. It will be interesting to see how that works for me and this new bridge…with my work, basketball, and teaching commitments.