Singapore applies electronic road pricing on all lanes
Q I live in Singapore, which incorporates Electronic Road Pricing on all lanes of their freeways at specific points. — Srihari Vaidun, Singapore
A On all lanes? Wow.
Q Vehicles are charged between 50 cents to $3 or so each time they pass under an ERP gantry, similar to FasTrak here. The main difference is that all lanes are charged.
When speeds drop or rise, the charge is displayed electronically. This encourages drivers to plan their drives per their cost tolerance. The system has generally worked well for 20 years.
Singapore is now working to incorporate Satellite Road Pricing wherein vehicles are charged variable rates with vehicle tracking via satellite.
However, this may be a bridge too far in the U.S. But ERP on all lanes is viable and worth considering. — Srihari Vaidun
A Interesting idea. With new express lanes opening Monday on Interstate 680 in Contra Costa County, the hours will be 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. just in the carpool/express lane. Some drivers don’t like the longer hours, but they’ll be the norm on all express lanes now on the drawing board.
Q I’m a regular NPR listener. Lately, I’ve heard that the programming has been supported by “your express lanes on 680.” What? I’m trying to wrap my head around why our tax dollars are being spent this way. — Reid Linney, Alamo
A The Metropolitan Transportation Commission paid for notices to educate drivers that they are required to have a FasTrak or FasTrak Flex toll tag to use the I- 680 express lanes. The simple message that the broadcast is supported by express lanes is part of the advertising package.
Q As the new express lane on I- 680 between I-580 and Walnut Creek is about to open, where do the funds from the tolls go? — Rahn Verhaeghe, San Ramon
A To pay for operations and maintenance of the express lanes, includ- ing additional CHP enforcement. If there’s extra cash left over, it will be used for improvements in the corridor.
Q What is the cost for the soon to open I- 680 Contra Costa Express Lanes? — Al Tiu
A The cost is $56 million.
Q I’m trying to understand the express lanes. It seems that if you have two or more people in the car, you don’t need FasTrak. It would be just like any HOV lane. The transponder is only necessary if you want to drive solo and pay for the privilege. Is that correct? — Barbra Watkins, San Jose
A Not anymore. New express lanes remain free for carpoolers, motorcycles, buses and electric vehicles. But FasTrak is required for all drivers to use these new lanes on 680. Solo drivers pay with either a standard FasTrak toll tag or a FasTrak Flex tag set to “1.” Toll- exempt vehicles must use a flex tag set to “2” or “3+” to travel toll-free.