Why does all coverage and outrage about this seem to ignore the fact that it used to be HOV ONLY before, and now HOV is still free? A $35 toll is still less than the $125 ticket you used to get if driving alone.
It wasn't always HOV only. It is a road, paid for by taxes which used to be open for all. Then it became one lane HOV, then all lanes at certain hours and now the fees are through the roof.
Oh, I thought the tolling was during the same hours as the previous HOV limitations. I admit, I haven't paid very close attention.
Almost. They slightly expanded the hours from before.
Have you considered car-pooling or public transit options? It seems like the goal is clear - to have fewer cars on the road.
The public transportation in that area is a joke. It's embarrassing that the metro is the subway for our nation's capital.
They expanded HOV times by 90 minutes. Before I could get to work before 6:30am. I-$66 is not the same.
wait for a few more years, and 66IB will be HOV-3 with express option. Many DC commuters will be in for a slow and rude shock once they hear that news.
I agree mostly, but they also increased the time frame that is HOV only. People would use the road very early or very late when traffic isn't bad. Now there is a toll. Since it's demand based, I'd imagine it's not anywhere near 35 bucks, but its probably 2 bucks for a road that is wide open.