Almost all-day express lane hours raise hackles of some

Q I don’t understand why the new express lanes on Interstate 680 in Contra Costa County have hours from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. How many people carpool midday? They have effectively reduced the lanes available during midday from four to only three, causing more congestion. — Cathy Pronzini, Danville

A

All coming Express Lanes will have these hours, making then in effect almost all day. The advantage is that consistent hours are less confusing and as traffic jams spread, longer carpool hours are needed.

But there is a downside. David, a Roadshow Consultant, says based on his observations on I-580 and I-680 they “appear empty approaching 10 a.m. to around 2:30 p.m. in the peak directions. … I am willing to bet that these lanes do not generate any revenues and in fact cost money for operating and monitoring during those hours.”

There may be a solution by allowing all vehicles free access to the lanes in off-peak hours and flashing an “Open to all” message on the electronic panel signs that we now see for weekends.

Q

Critics miss the entire point of an Express Lane. If it were free or even “cheap” then everyone would use it, and it would jam up just like any other lane, and defeat the purpose of being express. You have to make the cost high enough to deter enough drivers from using it, and ensure it flows fast for the people willing to pay the toll. You either value your time more than your money, or your money more than your time. Can’t have it both ways. — Gilmore Tuttle

A That is the lane we are in.

Q Do the older express lanes such as on Highway 237 recognize a flex tag and not charge when it is set to 2 or 3? It should, but I don’t know if we’re there yet. — Kevin Campbell, Fremont A We are there. You can use the flex tag on 237. Any settings on 2 or 3 will not be tolled. However, if you have older standard tags, then you must use the Mylar bag in order to not be charged. Q How can I get the transponder to stick to the windshield for more than a month at a time? I’ve requested more double-sided tape and applied my own tape. I’m tempted to put bolts through the windshield. Just kidding, of course.

Can I just order an external transponder? — Tom Lane, Torrance

A

Yes, you can mount an external transponder according to Bay Area bridge officials. But I have a question. If your transponder won’t stay fixed in your window, what do others do?