This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Would You Pay $1.40/Mile to Use the Carpool Lane Solo?
Metro wants to test out their own brand of congestion pricing called ExpressLanes, which would allow solo drivers to access carpool lanes for a price. For one year, starting in December 2010, Metro will convert carpool lanes on the I-10 (El Monte Busway) and the I-110 (Harbor Freeway Transitway) freeways to toll lanes.
Those who travel via public transit or carpool would not have to pay, but solo drivers could end up paying as little as $0.25 or as much as $1.40 per mile to access the lanes, depending on the time of day and traffic flow. Revenues would then go back to the project's operation budget and into funds for improving public transit along the same corridors.
"The purpose," explains Metro in a press release, "of the demonstration is to squeeze more capacity out of crowded freeways in a region where building new freeways is almost impossible because land is not available and there is a lack of funding for new construction."
Chime in: You can opine here in LAist's comment section and also on the record at a series of upcoming public meetings:
Saturday, June 13, 2009
10 a.m. - Noon
Metro Board Room 3rd Fl.
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles
Monday, June 15, 2009
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Carson Community Center
Adult Activity Room
801 E. Carson St.
Carson
Sponsored message
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Metro San Gabriel Valley Service Sector
Council Chambers
3449 Santa Anita Ave. 3rd Fl.
El Monte
Saturday, June 20, 2009
10 a.m. - Noon
West Covina Civic Center
Community Room
1444 W. Garvey Ave.
West Covina
Monday, June 22, 2009
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Civic Center Library
Meeting Room
3301 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
