Call it a premium toll. Unlike most of the nation's managed lanes which exist adjacent to untolled, general purpose lanes, the "general use lanes" on Tampa's Veterans Expressway (SR 589) are tolled. Express lanes will be dynamically priced
The second section of express lanes opened Wednesday on Veterans Expressway / SR 589 in Tampa, marking the completion of Phase 2A of the Florida Express Lanes project for west central Florida, reports Meredyth Censullo for WFLA News on May 23. That makes for nine miles of express lanes in each direction on the 57-mile toll road operated by Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, a business unit of the Florida Department of Transportation created by Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002.
Initially, there will not be a premium charge for using the express lanes, although motorists will be penalized for lacking a transponder allowing electronic toll collection via SunPass. Cash or TOLL-BY-PLATE, which can be used in the general use lanes, isn't an option.
An earlier post was critical of the express lanes planned for Florida's Turnpike, calling them an example of "double tolling." However, all road users, including carpools, are tolled only once, regardless of which lane they select. Only one lane will be dynamically priced later this year (completing Phase 2B), which "will include the general toll, plus the variable express lane toll when applicable," according to last summer's Florida Express Lanes newsletter.
The higher-priced toll, for motorists with SunPasses willing to pay a premium, will allow for faster speeds, illustrating why some planners prefer to use the term, value pricing, rather than congestion pricing. In addition, registered buses and vanpools are exempt from paying express lanes tolls.
Hat tip to IBTTA SmartBrief.
FULL STORY: New express lanes open on Veterans Expressway
Environmentalists Urge Gov. Ron DeSantis to Veto Florida Toll Roads Bill
Florida has the distinction of having more toll roads than any other state. Environmentalists want Gov. DeSantis (R) to veto a bill that would build three new ones, adding over three hundred miles of asphalt through mostly rural, unpopulated areas.
Nation's Newest Toll Road Opens in North Carolina
For a small fee, motorists can now bypass a congested arterial road with two dozen traffic lights outside of Charlotte. Built and operated by the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, the 18-mile, electronically tolled Monroe Expressway opened Nov. 27.
Florida to Provide Toll Relief for Frequent Commuters
It will be cheaper to drive around Florida, starting January 1.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
NYC Secures Funding for Midtown Bus Terminal Replacement
The aging Manhattan transit terminal, the world’s busiest, will receive a $10 billion revamp and expansion.
Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs
Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.
Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen
After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
City of Laramie
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners