SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Starting Friday, toll lanes are officially activated on Highway 101 between Sunnyvale and South San Francisco.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
Some commuters are already changing their routes to avoid paying the toll.
These high occupancy toll "HOT" lanes on 101 had a "soft opening" in October, but now they are officially on and charging drivers for a slightly faster commute.
But for many, avoiding the fees are worth extra travel time. One such commuter, Sam Cuevas, would rather not pay the tolls, so he's getting up before 5 a.m. to save a few bucks.
Now, it's "more expensive than it was before," said Cuevas. "It was free."
Tolls are charged via FastTrak from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cuevas avoided paying the toll this morning, but unfortunately didn't manage to avoid getting a flat tire.
It seems even newly paved roads have potholes these days, and he hit a pothole while driving on Friday.
"I just hit a couple on the carpool lane, the toll lane," said Cuevas.
The tolls are based on "dynamic pricing" which means the charge goes up or down depending on how congested traffic is.
The average toll at the end of last year was $3, but charges can go for much more than that.
Carpools and clear air vehicles pay half price.
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
