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.
"Tolls on Interstate 66 hit $40 during the Tuesday morning rush, the second day of operation for the new express lanes from the Capital Beltway in Northern Virginia to downtown Washington," report Dana Hedgpeth and Luz Lazo.
According to the article, some drivers complained about the rates, but "Virginia transportation officials said the lanes are working exactly as they are supposed to." The state goal of the toll road project, according to Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne, is "moving more people, not more vehicles." The article includes more details about the dynamic tolling on I066 works.
Planetizen last checked in with the I-66 toll plan in October, when Virginia Department of Transportation was putting the word out about Monday's opening.
FULL STORY: I-66 toll hits $40 on Day 2. Virginia transportation chief: ‘No one has to pay a toll.’
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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.
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Two things motorists detest: tolls and congestion. Tolls, if effectively applied, lessen congestion, but at a high cost to drivers. However, steep tolls also provide a political incentive to "fix the bottlenecks," as shown by the 66 Express Lanes.
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