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OCTA considers solo-driver toll lanes
Agency would implement fee on 405 between 73, L.A. border.
By Kristen SchottPublished: June 09, 2009 10:18 AM
The carpool lane is whizzing by next to you, but you're at a dead stop, stuck in traffic, and you can't do anything about it – because you're a solo driver. But this all could change: The Orange County Transportation Authority is considering allowing single drivers to use the carpool lanes on congested freeways. Motorists would be charged a fee to use the lane.
The high-occupancy toll lanes – HOT – would be put into operation between the 73 toll road and the L.A. County line, which is about a 14-mile stretch.
But what would the impact of this be for the drivers, who travel on the 405, which is one of the most congested freeways in Orange County, according to OCTA. Traffic is expected to jump by 20 percent and the population could grow 13 percent by 2030.
With traffic, it currently takes about an hour during peak rush hour to travel that particular stretch of road. But if the lanes were implemented, they could cut as much as 20 minutes off of drive time.
OCTA is currently in the environmental planning stages of the HOT lanes and does not yet have specifics on cost to drivers. But officials do say that the ultimate goal would be for carpoolers to continue to be able to use the lanes, as well as solo drivers. Carpoolers would most likely not be charged a fee.
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The high-occupancy toll lanes – HOT – would be put into operation between the 73 toll road and the L.A. County line, which is about a 14-mile stretch. But what would the impact of this be for the drivers, who travel on the 405, which is one of the most congested freeways in Orange County, according to OCTA. Traffic is expected to jump by 20 percent and the population could grow 13 percent by 2030. With traffic, it currently takes about an hour during peak rush hour to travel that particular stretch of road. But if the lanes were implemented, they could cut as much as 20 minutes off of drive time. OCTA is currently in the environmental planning stages of the HOT lanes and does not yet have specifics on cost to drivers. But officials do say that the ultimate goal would be for carpoolers to continue to be able to use the lanes, as well as solo drivers. Carpoolers would most likely not be charged a fee. NEXT PAGE >> Related headlines 'OC METRO Minute,' June 10: Traffic at John Wayne Airport dips in May Newport Beach-based Mobilitie ups wireless coverage on 241 toll road Toyota Material Handling subsidiary launches new truck |
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