Community Corner

Deal Lowers Toll Lane Rate

Governor also seeking change to three-passenger requirement for fee waiver.

Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that he is lowering the I-85 toll lane rates effective immediately.

“Looking at what we’ve learned from our first four work days with the HOT lanes, I’ve asked SRTA to improve utilization of the express lanes,” Deal said in a released statement. “In the short term, the toll rate will lower -- starting with Thursday afternoon’s commute -- but the effective rate will continue to change to regulate speed and volume.”

Deal added that the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) and the Georgia Department of Transportation are working together to improve the access and exit points on I-85 southbound.

Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Lastly, I-85 has long required two passengers for the express lanes. Federal regulations in effect with the HOT lanes increased the requirement to three passengers. I will pursue a federal waiver to move the requirement back to two,” Deal said. “All of these actions are intended to increase the volume in the express lanes while maintaining its steady pace, relieve congestion in the all-access lanes, and encourage carpooling and use of the Peach Pass.”

Deal said he will continue to monitor the situation.

Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the press release, SRTA is issuing 1,700 Peach Passes each day and has issued 75,000 passes to date. The state’s goal is to have 175,000 Peach Passes in use.


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