Fast-tracking some answers to issues with FasTrak, DMV

QI am hoping you can clear up my confusion about what sort of FasTrak device I need. I have a Tesla and have the stickers that allow me to drive in the carpool lane.

I have the type of transmitter that I can set to multiple passengers so that I should not be charged bridge tolls as well.

— Michelle Anderson, Menlo Park

AOff we go again on FasTrak issues.

QWhen I’m a single driver, am I allowed to proceed in the carpool lanes on the metered ramps?

— Michelle Anderson

AYes.

QAm I correct in that if I’m a single driver I can proceed through the carpool lane on toll bridges?

— Michelle Anderson

AYes, but there is no free tolling for carpools or clean-air vehicles on the bridges.

You will be eligible for

a 50% carpool discount on weekdays from 5 to 10 a.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m.

You will pay the regular toll rate at other times, though you qualify for off-peak discount at the Bay Bridge on weekdays from midnight to 5 a.m., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight.

QThe pay-per-use lanes on Interstate 680 are soon going to be live. Do I have free access to them or will that same transponder be charged if I choose to drive in that lane?

And do I need a different type of transmitter for those lanes, as a friend told me?

— Michelle Anderson

AYou need a Flex transponder set to 2 or 3. If it’s set to 1, you will be charged a toll.

When the Express Lanes on highways 101 and 237 and Interstate 880 are completed, it is expected that a new toll schedule will be adopted for these routes, with 2+ carpools and solo drivers in clean-air vehicles receiving a 50% discount; and toll-free travel limited to 3+ carpools, buses,

vanpools and motorcycles.

QI don’t think you can do anything, but ... I moved into a apartment building across the street from the DMV in El Cerrito.

When I first moved in, you could hear the outside speaker announcing the numbers. It is very loud and goes all day. I still hear BART trains but it’s not like an ongoing voice most of the day.

It is driving me nuts and having the fan and air conditioning on when I don’t need it or want it isn’t good and will be pricey. — Wendy Katz, El Cerrito

AMarty-the-DMV-Guy to the rescue. Last week the DMV turned down the volume to its lowest level after monitoring the noise to ensure that it is appropriate and went across the street to make sure it cannot be heard.