The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has introduced HOT Lanes or High Occupancy Toll Lanes on the I-495 Capital Beltway corridor just south of Washington D.C. Motorists who are willing to pay a fee would be able to drive in these lanes. This would only occur if there is traffic in the regular lanes otherwise it would defeat the purpose of them. The toll rates will vary depending on the hour and level of congestion. If congestion is high on the regular lanes, the toll would be higher and vice versa. Vehicles with three or more people can drive for free in these lanes no matter the time or level of congestion.
EZ Pass Flex Transponder
These HOT/HOV lanes will collect tolls using high speed toll collection methods where motorists would not have to stop to pay. You must have an EZ-Pass transponder if you are going to pay. However, this is not your typical transponder. The picture on the right shows an EZ-Pass Flex transponder that must be used for these lanes where you would flick a switch between HOV status where you would pay nothing, and regular status if you have less than three persons in your vehicle and pay a toll.
This is an interesting concept that VDOT is implementing. VDOT is widening their road by making drivers pay a toll for it. This is actually indirectly creating a socio-economic gap where people who can afford and willing to pay can only take it. Secondly, I believe it is based on the honor system because I could not find any information on what is stopping persons from simply switching to HOV mode when they have less than three people in the vehicle. I feel that is a very large loophole in the system. However, this system does encourage car pooling significantly which would reduce congestion.
Should we have a system like this across the country where congestion is prevalent. Should motorists pay that extra fee? Is it worth cementing car use more in our society to widen roads and encourage car pooling or should we just leave the roads the way they are? Should VDOT have built bus dedicated lanes only or something else?
(https://www.495expresslanes.com)
I agree with the use of the HOT lanes but what if so many people use the HOT lanes that it is equally as congested as the regular lanes? The solution is simple. Raise the tolls for the HOT lanes and hopefully it will work out.