Commuter should remain in toll lane to avoid higher cost
Q I drive Interstate 680 between Dublin and Walnut Creek and sometimes use the toll lane as a single driver. When I pass the first electronic sign it might say something like $2 to Livorna Road so I get into the lane. At the next electronic sign the cost can jump dramatically to $8 or even $9.50, as in a recent case. This happens because traffic suddenly backs up ahead for some reason.
If I decide I don’t want to pay that much and get out of the toll lane, I am sometimes already past the sign and the detectors. The first time this happened to me, I figured that by exiting the lane I would be charged the original $2. Not so. When my statement came, there was the $8 charge.
I should have just stayed in the lane all the way up to Livorna. This doesn’t seem right. You should have the opportunity to decline the huge toll increase by exiting the lane within some reasonable distance. Absent that, we need an explanation of how the tolls are computed (price changes, entry and exit points, etc.) so we can make the decision about when to use the toll lane based on accurate knowledge of the cost. — Stan Hurd, Pleasanton
A Had you stayed in the toll lanes all the way to Livorna, rather than exiting it after the sign showing the higher price, your bill would have been two bucks.
The $8 fare applies to people entering lane after the sign showing the increased price.
It sounds as if you may have gotten back in the toll lane after the sign showing the new price, increasing your toll for that ride.
Q Why are LED highway lights on the eastern span of San Mateo Bridge on during the day? LED lights are supposed to save energy, but these lights are burning energy in broad daylight. What gives? — Matthew Jue, Hayward
A Repairs are coming. With all of the PG&E issues this past month with the statewide fires, Caltrans regular maintenance checks, including for these lights, were delayed.
Q My son moved to California a few years back. The first time we visited him, we drove because we wanted to take in the country as we traveled. As we neared his home in Sacramento, I was quite startled, and almost wrecked our truck when a motorcyclist came whipping down the road between my lane and the one next to me. Upon reflection, I understand the logic behind lane splitting, but perhaps signs for your visitors who are not familiar with lane splitting could be posted periodically on freeways, noting that this could happen. It would be helpful and could prevent a few heart attacks for startled drivers.
I had never heard of it until I inadvertently almost ran someone over. Scary stuff! — Jill Dew, Ryland Heights, Kentucky
A A good suggestion that I’ve kicked up to Caltrans.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@ bayareanewsgroup. com. Contact Gary Richards at grichards@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920- 5037.