[cyclotic]

Perhaps Delaney should wait and see how the toll express lanes on I-95 that opened less than a week ago fare first. It’s part of my commute and hardly anyone is using it. Today, I could see two cars in a half mile stretch and one was a cop who rides for free.

I think the second week of January is the first real opportunity to see how many people believe $1.75 is a good cost to save a few minutes.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

I’m surprised more people aren’t using them. They’re free until Dec. 29.

[__rvx86]

Around here, the idiots are trying to resurrect the DFW Turnpike—by adding an upper deck. Opened in 1957, it was a toll road for the next 20 years, even though the bonds were paid off (on time, I might add) by 1972. A court case erupted over this, but the tollbooths were ordered to be removed by 1978.

SR-161/SR-190 are ghost roads at this hour. Not that there are many drivers on the highways to begin with—the NTTA raised tolls not too long ago.

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A friend of mine who restores old cars, could do 120 mph on the new stretch of SR-161 around this time. You would be able to hear him for miles around.

[Dave W]

I think you misunderstand. The toll lanes are free at the moment to everyone, but will start charging on 12-29. The toll lanes on the beltway are popular and during rush hour can cost as much as $14 to go about 9 miles, although, it is $10 to $12 most often.

I heard on WTOP that the 95 toll lanes may cost as much as $20 one way during rush hour, but that is a bargain since it is about 30 miles including the new 9 mile extension. People use it out of sheer desperation and the politicians are so proud of themselves that they squander the tax payers dollars and then claim to have no money for roads. Shameful.

[OldMissileer]

I think the second week of January is the first real opportunity to see how many people believe $1.75 is a good cost to save a few minutes.

The minimum cost from Stafford to DC will be over $8, and that will be during non-rush hour. The rush hour fares will top over $25.

I am glad I sold my company and retired several years ago. This whole HOT lane business is terrible and a scam on taxpayers.

[Gaffer]

They have these kinds of lanes on I-85 in Democrat/City areas in Atlanta. Yet with the “variable pricing structure” they still can’t seem to have enough money to keep the freeway lights on at night in and around the city of Atlanta.