The peak tolls achieved during the first week of operation of the new HOT lanes on I-66 in Virginia raised eyebrows this week. Here's a closer look at the data behind the new system.
Mike Grinnell takes a deep dive into the data behind the I-66 express lane system that went into operation this week, making headlines for charging $40 to access the new HOT lanes during the Tuesday morning peak period.
First, Grinnell makes clear the changes this week on I-66:
A few things changed for drivers with the introduction of these new HOT lanes, but the biggest change was for single-occupancy vehicle drivers. Previously they were restricted from driving on I-66 eastbound between 6:30 am and 9:00 am and westbound between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Outside of these time restrictions, they were free to access the roads anytime.
Then, Grinnell compares the actual toll prices to the estimates prepared by the Virginia Department of Transportation two years ago when planning the HOT lane system. Despite the eye-popping figures picked up by news outlets around the country (including us), the numbers did hold pretty close to the original estimates.
By taking a closer look at the numbers, Grinnell is also able to pull a couple early lessons from the system, including when driving is most expensive and insight into how dynamic pricing works. Grinnell also reminds readers that the tolls will pay for the installation and upkeep of the tolling system in addition to multi-modal transportation improvements like bus service, park-n-ride facilities, improvements to Metro, and road improvements.
FULL STORY: After the outcry over the $40 tolls on I-66, this solo driver crunched the numbers
New Tolls on I-66 in Virginia Hit $40 on Day Two
The idea behind congestion pricing is to create at least some disincentive for driving. The new tolls I-66, which reached $34.50 on Monday and $40 on Tuesday, are certainly accomplishing that goal.
As Tolls Increase, Vehicle Trips Decrease on Dynamically Priced Express Lanes
When tolls rise on the 66 Express Lanes, trips decrease. according to a new report by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Capitalism at Work on an Interstate Highway
Traffic speeds during the peak eastbound commute on the 66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway have dropped to 35 mph. "Toll-tweaking" and changing the algorithm are achieving limited success on this dynamically-tolled stretch.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)