A Quick Look at the I-680 Express Lane

Where

The new I-680 Express Lane is located on a 14-mile stretch of southbound Interstate 680 from Highway 84 to Highway 237; 11 miles of the project is in Alameda County, with 3 miles in Santa Clara County.

What

The I-680 Express Lane gives solo drivers the choice to pay a toll electronically to use the lane while regular carpool users continue to use the lane for free. The southbound carpool lane has been converted to an Express Lane with new striping, three specific entry and exit points, overhead electronic signs and a FasTrak® electronic toll collection system. The Express Lane is separated from general-purpose lanes by double solid lines, except at entry and exit points.

Choice for Drivers

Solo drivers who want a more reliable trip on southbound I-680 need to obtain and mount a FasTrak® toll tag on their windshields. They are charged a toll each time they choose to use the Express Lane. Carpool vehicles with two or more people, motorcycles and transit buses continue to use the lane for free and are not required to have a toll tag.

The operation is fully electronic. There are no tollbooths or traffic gates, so customers do not need to slow down or stop to pay the toll. The toll amount is deducted automatically from a solo driver’s FasTrak® account.

Pricing

Motorists with a FasTrak® toll tag can enter the Express Lane at three designated places. An overhead electronic sign displays the current toll being assessed. Toll costs vary based on real-time traffic levels in the Express Lane to ensure traffic in the lane continues to flow.

This process is called dynamic pricing. During peak periods, when there is more traffic in the Express Lane, the toll is higher. The minimum toll during the morning commute is $1. During off-peak periods, when fewer vehicles are using the lane, the toll is lower -- a minimum of 30 cents. By changing the toll in response to the level of demand, the Express Lane traffic keeps flowing smoothly.

Revenue

Toll revenue will pay for operating and maintaining the lane, for transit service on the I-680 corridor and for building other carpool lanes or Express Lanes in the I-680 corridor, including a future project on northbound I-680.

Enforcement

A solo driver in the Express Lane without a valid FasTrak® toll tag is in violation of state law and subject to a fine. Law enforcement officers patrol the lane and use visual and electronic means to catch violators. Also, it is a violation for any driver to cross the double solid lines separating the Express Lane from other lanes.

When

The Express Lane operates Mondays to Fridays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. At nights and on weekends, the lane is open to all drivers.