Around $10 for tolls on the 405 Freeway? That could soon be the reality for some drivers.
With the almost $2.2 billion improvement project on the 405 nearing completion by the end of the year, the Orange County Transportation Authority is preparing for the 405 Express Lanes (a single lane in each direction) to become operational and start collecting tolls.
On Wednesday, July 12, those on OCTA’s Finance and Administration Committee will discuss the toll policy. According to documents released ahead of the meeting, the 405 Express Lanes — to be located in the middle of the freeway like the 91 Express Lanes — will give solo drivers the choice to speed up their commutes for a fee.
Carpoolers can travel for free if there are three or more individuals in their vehicle with a valid account and transponder.
During the first three and a half years after the opening of the 405 Express Lanes, carpoolers with two individuals can travel for free during non-peak hours with a valid account and transponder.
Drivers with a designated veterans or a disabled person license plate will always ride the Express Lanes for free. Clean air vehicles, as designated by the state, will receive a 15% discount. The toll road will be free for motorcycles.
Once the Finance and Administration Committee approves the toll policy, the entire OCTA board will then take it up for consideration at its regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, July 24.
“The toll policy basically lowers and raises tolls based on congestion,” said Joel Zlotnik, OCTA’s strategic communications manager.
With multiple entry and exit points on the Express Lanes, the toll amount will depend on the stretch of freeway a driver is traveling and the time of day too. The most expensive toll amount planned, $9.95, is for commuters traveling the whole length of the 405 Express Lanes in the northbound direction between 3-5 p.m. on a Friday while southbound drivers can expect to pay up to $6.20 in tolls.
OCTA’s…
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