FasTrak confusion reigns as I-580 carpoolers get ticketed
Q When will Caltrans make all the pay-to-play toll lanes the same? As it stands, there are three sets of express lanes — Interstate 680 south over Sunol; Highway 237/Interstate 880; and Interstate 580 both ways from I-680 to Greenville — with three different sets of rules. The hours also vary. Paul Dias A Many drivers are confused, especially those trying out the 580 express lanes for the first time. Read on ...
Q So back in September on a Thursday morning, I was traveling east on I-580 with six people in my car and jumped into the express lane since we had a carpool. It wasn’t until after I went under the second sign that I noticed it said HOV 2+ people “+ FasTrak Flex.” I was completely puzzled and moved out of the lane just for good measure.
Lo and behold, I got a toll evasion violation. What the heck? My tax dollars paid for this cleverly disguised “road improvement” and I should be able to travel in it with a carpool — not to mention they say the “toll” was only 60 cents and then added a $25 “fee” on top of that.
I did file a dispute, but this is ridiculous. Why should I be forced to purchase a FasTrak Flex or any other transponder? I rarely go over bridges, maybe five to seven times a year, and I always keep $5 bills handy in my cars for this purpose. C.N. San Jose A Not good. Call the FasTrak folks and they most likely will waive the penalty. Then get a Flex transponder.
Other carpoolers have also been dinged. Here’s why: Interstate 580’s express lanes are currently the only freeway where the Flex tag is required, but that will change as 680 in Contra Costa County and I-880 in the East Bay over the next two years get express lanes.
Q On a trip to Tahoe we used the FasTrak lane on 580. We had three in the car. Subsequently we received a fine of $25.99 in the mail. Why are rules different on 680? Michael Quarterman San Jose A Rules do vary, but over time they’ll likely be the same on all express lanes. Hours will be 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Most double white lines will be removed, making it easier to enter and exit those lanes. And flex transponders will be required for everyone — even carpoolers — who will still ride free of charge.
Bye-bye confusion, hopefully.
Q I have a new FasTrak toll tag with the position switch. I am confused about how to use it on 237 with two people in the car. Now no transponder is required for carpoolers on 237. I called FasTrak when I received several charges on the 580 express lanes even though we had a carpool. Their instructions were to set the Flex tag at “3” no matter if it’s just two of us. Dick Hueser, Dan Stewart and others A Good advice. Your charges were reversed.
Q Will Highway 101 in San Mateo County someday get a carpool/express lane up to SFO? That sure would help. Robert Clinton Menlo Park A It’s under consideration but not anytime soon.