AJC: I-85 toll project to add to traffic jams in regular lanes (Roswell: taxes, cost)

[bornjacksonian]

This funny I was on I-85 heading to Pleasant Hill and traffic in the normal lanes were congested earlier than usual. This was around 1:30. A friend and I were together and I thought the Express Lanes were open until I saw Test C on the sign and realized it hadn't started yet. When I got over in that lane there were NO CARS in front of me from a far distance. A lot of people thought the Express Lane was open and stayed in normal lanes. I really feel for anyone whose daily commute consist of Gwinnett County, this Express Lane will create more congestion.

[NDtrucker]

Some of the most horrible traffic jams ever encountered have been in and around this area. Even worse than LA, DC, and NYC. Looks like they are just compounding the problem.

[ATL Golfer]

This whole thing is mind blowing dumb. Or genius...depending on what side you sit on.

They have managed to not fix the traffic problem, but actually profit off of it.
They will make the traffic even worse, forcing some to anti up and pay for the quicker ride.

Bottom line, this was not created to help the problem, only to make money off the problem. Hopefully people will be rioting soon over this.

[Hektik]

It's a giant scam. Sometime from now they'll revert back to the old system, and walk away with tons of money they made off of the poor suckers who fell for it and payed. No apologize, no explanations, just disappeared.
I would be more inclined to give my money towards and anti-HOT lane campaign.
It's ridiculous how the little people just get walked all over by the people on top with money.

[tonygeorgia]

I'm surprised that I haven't heard of an uproar because of this?

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Hektik

It's a giant scam. Sometime from now they'll revert back to the old system, and walk away with tons of money they made off of the poor suckers who fell for it and payed. No apologize, no explanations, just disappeared.
I would be more inclined to give my money towards and anti-HOT lane campaign.
It's ridiculous how the little people just get walked all over by the people on top with money.

Well, as I understand it the free lanes stay the same as always.

The change is only to the former HOV lanes, which now require you to have 3 rather than 2 passengers in your car in order to drive for free. But now anybody can drive in the HOV lane -- even if they're just by themselves -- except they pay the toll while they're in the HOV lane.

If you're driving by yourself and don't want to pay the toll, you just keep on doing what you've been doing and still drive for free.

Isn't that how it works?

[arjay57]

The Truth About HOT Lanes | INFRASTRUCTURIST

I: Some have criticized HOT lanes for being unfair to the poor.

JF: The ones in California, when they first opened, people started to call them the “Lexus lanes.” Then they started doing studies and it turns out everybody from all income levels and age groups uses the lanes. If you gotta punch a clock and were late two days before, you’re willing to pay to make sure you get to work on time.

One of the beauties of the HOT lane is that people don’t typically pay to drive it every day. If they’re running late or have to get to a meeting, they get in lane, pay, and bypass all the traffic. It’s there when they need it.

I: Is it possible that HOT lanes will encourage drivers to drive alone, which could be worse for the environment and for congestion?

JF: You know, quite the opposite. They’re building a lot of parking lots along the roadway — like the one in D.C. — so people can carpool. You can pay to use [the HOT lane if you drive alone], but if you don’t want to pay, you can carpool and ride in it for free. That’s a guaranteed 60 miles per hour. For buses it works well. They ride for free.

[StAubin]

Will Grta be using the lanes?

depinding on the distance the bus fare could be cheaper than the toll and you can get some work done on the way.

[architect77]

For the next 30 years these managed lanes are all that the GDOT has currently planned to do about Atlanta's congestion. 2 million additional residents will just have to make do with the roads we already have.

That referendum next year for a 1% sales tax would be very inadequate even if it did pass, which is doubtful.

[neil0311]

As I was driving down I-85 this afternoon on my way home from NC, I was wondering how people who are cruising along at the supposed speed of at least 45mph in the express lane are going to exit, since there are no express lane exits. Are they going to merge and cut across 4 or 5 or 6 lanes of traffic, in heavy traffic? How many crashes will come of that, causing more delays.