[scoofy]

The vast majority of modern American toll roads are. I grew up in Austin. We have the Mopac and 183 expansions, route 130 was mostly privately constructed, but is under TxDOT.

Perhaps other parts of the world have privately operated roads, but I’m not aware of them.

[SOLAR_FIELDS]

Australia is one of the top toll roading countries. Sydney had most tolled roads world record for awhile not sure who holds it now. I don’t know whether it is the state or private companies who operate them.

Since you live in the area, and are talking about toll roads, I assume you also probably know of the name Cintra, who are Spainiards. And Cintra is, in fact, a private toll road operator who has owned roads around Austin previously

[scoofy]

My point here is that a privately operated toll road that exists purely as a toll road, does not parallel the concept of a moderately expensive subscription for what is effectively an existing product. A more apt comparison would be a toll lane in an existing road, first class compartments, etc.

I mentioned Texas 130, which was operated by Cintra, but was still technically operating under TxDOT: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_State_Highway_130

[SOLAR_FIELDS]

Austin, Texas is a great example for toll lanes of existing roads! MoPac and 183 North are exactly this model

Agree that it's a more accurate metaphor than just "toll roads".

My understanding is that Cintra exited the Austin TX toll road business around a decade ago after profits from SH 130 failed to materialize