Question of the Day

HOT Lanes: Traffic Management or Government Extortion?

What is the true purpose of the I-85 toll lanes?

In his most recent blog post, Citizens for a Better Gwinnett board member Jim Regan writes: In 2005, the SRTA conducted eight focus groups to evaluate support for the HOT conversion, during these meetings participants indicated they were only willing to pay a toll ranging from 50 cents to $2. Since focus groups in 2005, before the economy collapsed, indicated they only supported a 50 cent to $2 toll why was the maximum toll close to $6 when the lane opened? Nationally there are six other cities with HOT lanes, in five cities HOT+2 commuters pay no toll. The other location requires an annual “pass” that does not consider the number of passengers or frequency of use. Why did the GaDOT and SRTA choose to pursue a HOT+3 lane rather than a HOT+…

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Do You Plan to Use the I-85 Toll Lanes?

Effective Oct. 1, any vehicle that isn't eco-friendly or carrying three or more people will be charged per mile for use of the express lanes. Will you be paying for that privilege? Take our poll.

Two person carpools have one last free, relatively comfortable, work-week commute on I-85. Beginning Oct. 1, that’s a luxury that carries a price tag. According to officials, the new express lanes will improve the traffic flow on I-85. However, according to a report in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, traffic woes for the regular Joe not looking to dig into his wallet could, in fact, get worse. The AJC cites a study by the state that found traffic in regular lanes is likely to get worse as a result of the project, the purpose of which was to improve traffic flow for those who car pool, ride vehicles less likely to impact the environment or alternatively are prepared to pay. The state’s study reportedly found regular lanes are expected to …

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Toll Lanes Set to Open Oct. 1

Do you have your Peach Pass yet? Get it online or at offices in Norcross and Lawrenceville.

The free ride in the HOV lane is coming to an end for most interstate travelers. The I-85 Express Lanes are set to begin official operations Oct. 1. This is, however, contingent on weather conditions and successful testing of the equipment, according to officials from the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA). “The opening of the I-85 Express Lanes will represent a new era in transportation innovation,” said Dr. Gena L. Evans, executive director of SRTA. “This all-electronic commuting choice gives registered Peach Pass customers access to a more reliable travel option in the I-85 corridor. The Express Lanes concept has been proven successful in eight other cities, and we are excited about its ability to positively impact I-85 traffic and…

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