Wash. Transportation Commission adopts I-405 express tolls

[Alkene]

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington state Transportation Commission on Wednesday night adopted Interstate 405 toll rates for express toll lanes that will open later this year between Bellevue and Lynnwood.

Drivers can opt for a faster trip by paying a toll to access express lanes. Rates will vary depending on traffic, and drivers will pay the rate they see upon entering the lanes.

Tolls for those with a Good to Go! account will range from 75 cents to $10. The typical toll likely will range from 75 cents to $4.

Carpools with three or more people will be exempt from paying a toll, as will motorcycles, transit vehicles and vanpools.

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/wash-transportation-commission-adopts-i-405-express-tolls/

The purpose of having a dedicated High-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lane, which rewards carpools, vanpools and motorcyclists with shorter travel time, is to reduce the amount of pollution created; to have fewer vehicles on highways also means less traffic congestion, which also reduces traffic accidents; when there is less traffic, it reduces travel time for all.

Single-occupancy drivers will now have the option to pay for the privilege of defeating the purpose of HOV lanes.

On the other hand, we need the money- what with Washington State's voters' reluctance to increase the tax burden on the wealthy.

[pscot]

1. I'm sure there's a Yogi Berra quote

that applies here.

[eridani]

2. That's been done on 167 for quite awhile now

Seems to work fine.

[Alkene]

3. Excellent to know.

Then it's something to look forward to.