South Bay Drivers May Opt To Pay Toll For HOT Lanes
MILPITAS (KCBS) — Solo drivers passing through one of Milpitas' most congested areas will now have the option of breezing through an express lane, but it will cost them.
According to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority more than 300,000 cars pass the 237-880 interchange everyday.
Brandi Childress with the Santa Clara VTA said the High Occupancy Toll or HOT lanes open March 15th and will make commuting easier for thousands.
Childress said solo commuters will have the option of paying a fee to use the carpool lane.
KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:
"Solo drivers willing to pay the fee will see the tolling signs about a mile prior to the tolling facility," she said.
She added there will be plenty of warning for those commuters who would rather not pay to use the express lanes and additional signage will be posted about a quarter mile from the actual toll lane.
Childress said the toll fees will range based on level of congestion in the lanes.
"It starts at 30 cents, but will average at three dollars, capping at around five dollars," she said.
The dynamic pricing system basically means the least congested lanes will have most attractive pricing to keep traffic flowing.
Vehicles with at least two people, and other eligible users, will continue to use the express lane for free.
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