Tiered Tolls Coming Soon

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Nov 19, 2008 10:45PM

It's looking like Governor Blogjevich's plans to implement a tiered toll payment system to encourage carpooling will take a step closer to reality tomorrow. The plan is scheduled to go before the Illinois Tollway Board tomorrow and all signs point to an approval. The proposed system, which could go in place in 2010, would be similar to Minnesota's system that has a standard toll of 50 cents, but charges higher tolls for use of high-occupancy lanes. The Trib has a nice Q&A that runs down some of the issues facing the system, though it seems they've settled on the more PR-friendly "Green Lanes" moniker. A few of the highlights include:

Q What do motorists pay elsewhere?

A On Interstate Highway 15 in San Diego, it costs 50 cents to $4, but can be as high as $8, as in Minneapolis. In Seattle, the top toll is $9, in Orange County, $9.50.

Q Can Green Lanes work in Chicago?

A The concept seems to work fine in Minneapolis and parts of California, but studies have ruled out their use in other cities. More research is needed to nail down whether it's right for the Chicago area, say experts with the civic organization Chicago Metropolis 2020. "Chicago may actually be in a much better position to implement a HOT lane system than the Twin Cities, since you already have a toll system and electronic tolling in place," said Lee Munnich of the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.

Q Aren't these just "Lexus Lanes" for wealthier motorists?

A No, experts say. "The survey data we have show that people support the option of paying a fee for a quicker trip by a wide margin and across income levels," Munnich said. But in Los Angeles, the decision to convert freeway carpool lanes to high-occupancy toll lanes sparked opposition. Critics call them elitist.

Q Won't traffic in the other lanes get worse?

A That didn't happen in Minneapolis. But it is one of the fears about Green Lanes. Critics say carpool lanes make congestion worse by forcing solo drivers to crowd regular lanes, leaving carpool lanes underused.

Q What about cheaters?

A Experts say the key is vigorous police enforcement.