warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Metro Unveils FasTrak Devices For Freeway Toll Lanes

Agnus Dei Farrant |
July 26, 2012 | 7:42 p.m. PDT

Executive Producer

(Creative Commons).
(Creative Commons).
Los Angeles Metro began taking orders Wednesday for ExpressLane FasTrak transponders for I-110 and I-10 freeway travelers, making the devices necessary for all vehicles planning to use the ExpressLanes once they begin operation.

Metro converted 11 miles of existing carpool lanes on I-110 and 14 miles on I-10 to ExpressLanes; lanes that buses, motorcycles, vanpools and carpools can still use without tolls, and solo drivers will be able to use if they purchase a transponder and pay tolls. 

Both carpool and solo drivers using the lanes must have a transponder and FasTrak account. Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) customers can receive a 20 percent discount if they purchase the devices through AAA.

A monthly account maintenance fee of $3 will be waived with four one-way trips. 

The tolls will range between 25 cents and $1.40 per mile, depending on traffic speeds and congestion.

Stephanie Wiggins, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s executive officer for the Congestion Reduction Initiative Program, told the Los Angeles Times that the goal is to keep the speed of the toll lanes flowing at a minimum average of 45 mph.

“The average toll will be between $4 and $7, but the highest toll that someone would choose to pay if they travel the whole 11 miles [on the 110 Freeway] would be more than $15,” Wiggins said.

Metro spokeswoman Gayle Anderson said the I-110 ExpressLane is expected to open in October while the I-10 ExpressLane is expected to open February 2013.

 

Read more of Neon Tommy’s coverage on L.A. Metro here.

Reach Executive Producer Agnus Dei Farrant here.



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.