DRIVING METRO EXPRESSLANES

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Where are the Metro ExpressLanes located?

The Metro ExpressLanes are located (see Project Map) on the I-110 Harbor Transitway (between Adams Bl. and Harbor Gateway Transit Center – approximately 11 miles) and on the I-10 El Monte Busway (between Alameda St and I-605 – approximately 14 miles).

Where are the entrances/exits to the Metro ExpressLanes be located?

The entrances and exits to the Metro ExpressLanes have not changed. They are the same entrances and exits as the carpool lanes before they were converted to ExpressLanes. (see Project Map)

What times are the Metro ExpressLanes in operation?

Metro ExpressLanes are in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How much will it cost to travel on the Metro ExpressLanes?

Tolls on the ExpressLanes are based on the current congestion level and the length of your trip. The minimum toll per mile is $0.25 and the maximum toll per mile is $1.40. The toll amount is locked in once a vehicle is in the ExpressLanes, and will be based on traffic levels to ensure a minimum average speed of 45 mph. The more traffic in the ExpressLanes, the higher the toll amount will be. The less traffic in the ExpressLanes, the lower the toll amount will be.

Where is the toll rate posted?

Electronic signs with the posted toll rate are located ¼ mile away from each entrance to the ExpressLanes.

How are the toll be paid or collected?

All vehicles, except motorcycles, require a FasTrak® transponder associated with a valid FasTrak account to use the Metro ExpressLanes. The tolls are collected electronically through the FasTrak transponder, and are automatically deducted from the FasTrak account. Carpools and vanpools that meet the ExpressLanes carpool requirement, as well as motorcycles, will not have a toll deducted from their accounts.

What is FasTrak^®?

FasTrak is an electronic toll collection system used on all toll facilities in California. It allows drivers to drive through designated "FasTrak Only" lanes without stopping. There are no toll booths. All tolls will be collected electronically and charged to your valid FasTrak account.

What if I use the lanes without a valid FasTrak account?

A driver without a valid FasTrak transponder will be in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23302(b). If you use the ExpressLanes without a transponder, a photograph of your vehicle license plate will be taken and a Notice of Toll Evasion Violation will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. You can also be issued a citation by CHP for not having a valid transponder in your vehicle

What does it cost to establish a pre-paid FasTrak® account?

Credit/Debit Card Accounts: An initial prepaid toll deposit of $40 per transponder is required to open an account. When you use the ExpressLanes as a toll paying customer, the toll will be deducted from the $40 prepaid toll deposit. The $25 transponder deposit will be waived. If the FasTrak® is not returned in good working condition when the account is closed, a $25 fee will be charged to the account.

Cash/Check Accounts: An initial prepaid toll deposit of $50 per transponder and a per-transponder deposit of $25 will be required to open an account. When you use the ExpressLanes as a toll paying customer, the toll will be deducted from the $50 prepaid toll deposit. When the account is closed and the transponder is returned in good working condition, the $25 deposit will be returned.

For those commuters who qualify for our MEL Low-Income Assistance Plan, a one-time $25 discount will be applied to their account.

Once I open my account, how much will it cost me per month, per year?

Once the account has been established, the prepaid toll balance funds are available for toll usage on the Metro ExpressLanes. If you utilize the Metro ExpressLanes as a qualified carpooler, you will not incur a toll charge, so a replenishment charge will not post to your account on a monthly basis. However, if your usage occurs as a single occupant or non-qualified carpooler, you may be charged more than once a month. The rebill payment required is based on your toll usage and any fees that may post to your account. A $3 monthly service fee is incurred if you do not make a minimum of 4 one-way trips on the Metro ExpressLanes. Effective 4/25/13 to 10/24/13, the monthly account maintenance fee will be waived for LA County residents only.

What is the MEL Low-Income Assistance Plan?

Metro offers a Low-Income Assistance Plan that is the first of its kind in the State of California. With the plan, low-income commuters who live in LA County can be eligible for a one-time $25 toll credit when they sign up for the MEL Low-Income Assistance Plan. The $1 monthly maintenance fee is waived for these accounts.

Am I able to cross the double solid white lines to enter the ExpressLanes?

To enter or exit the ExpressLanes, it is a violation of the California Vehicle Code to cross the double solid white lines. Violators can be issued a $491 (minimum) citation by CHP. The designated ExpressLanes entry and exit points are located only where a broken white line is available.

What happens if the lanes become too full?

If the lanes become too full and the tolls have reached the maximum amount, the message displayed on the overhead sign will change to "HOV ONLY". This message informs potential toll paying drivers that they will not be allowed to enter the ExpressLanes until the speeds climb back up to at least 45 mph. If you are a toll-paying driver already using the ExpressLanes when the sign message changes to "HOV ONLY" you will be able to complete your trip.

What should I do if I see a sign on the ExpressLanes that says “HOV ONLY” instead of a toll rate?

If your vehicle meets the posted carpool occupancy requirements, and you have a FasTrak® switchable transponder set to the correct position, you may enter the ExpressLanes. If you have a FasTrak without the switch, or your vehicle does not meet the carpool occupancy requirements, you may not enter the ExpressLanes. If you enter without meeting the carpool occupancy requirements, you will be charged the maximum toll amount for the entire length of the ExpressLanes (11 miles on the I-110 or 14 miles on the I-10). See the “Occupancy Requirements” for each corridor for more details.

What are the carpool requirements for toll-free travel on the ExpressLanes?

All vehicles, except motorcycles, traveling on the Metro ExpressLanes must have a FasTrak® transponder associated with a valid FasTrak account. On the I-110, vehicles with two or more occupants will be able to use the Metro ExpressLanes toll-free. On the I-10, vehicles with three or more occupants will be able to use Metro ExpressLanes toll-free at all hours. Vehicles with two occupants will pay a toll during peak hours (5am-9am; 4pm-7pm), but will have toll-free use during off-peak hours. Please note that toll-free travel for eligible carpools is only available to those who have a FasTrak with a self-declaration switch. If you are using a FasTrak without a switch, all carpools will still have to pay the toll.

How do the ExpressLanes benefit carpools and vanpools?

Eligible carpools with FasTrak® can use the Metro ExpressLanes toll-free and have 24/7 access. ExpressLanes will provide a better commute for carpools with the addition of nine new lane miles on the I-10 between I-605 and I-710, and will reduce bottlenecks at Adams Boulevard for the I-110 corridor. Additional California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicles will ensure legal use of the ExpressLanes.
Also, Metro ExpressLanes provides a Carpool Loyalty Program for carpools and vanpools which will offer additional incentives to reward those who rideshare. Carpools and vanpools are automatically entered into monthly drawings for gift cards each time they use FasTrak® on the Metro ExpressLanes.

What happens if there is an incident in the Metro ExpressLanes?

If there is a Sig Alert in the Metro ExpressLanes and toll-paying customers were not able to receive their average 45 mph trip, the toll will be automatically credited to their account.

Do I need FasTrak® on the I-105?

If you are traveling in the I-105 HOV lanes and do not wish to connect to the I-110 HOT lanes (ExpressLanes) you will not be required to have a FasTrak transponder. However, all vehicles (including carpools) traveling on the I-105 HOV lanes and wishing to connect to the I-110 ExpressLanes will be required to have a FasTrak. Solo drivers can access the I-110 north Metro ExpressLanes via the I-105 HOV connector as long as they enter the I-105 HOV Lanes at the last available entrance. Similarly, if they are traveling south on the I-110 ExpressLanes and wish to connect to the I-105 they will be able to exit the I-110 south Metro ExpressLanes via the I-105 HOV connector as long as they exit the I-105 HOV Lanes at the first available exit.

I drive a motorcycle; do I have to pay a toll? Will I need FasTrak^®?

As of February 21, 2013, an improvement to our tolling software now enables motorcycles with a standard issue license plate to travel on the Metro ExpressLanes toll-free without a transponder or FasTrak account. If you have a motorcycle with a personalized plate, disabled plate or special category plate, you must register your vehicle with the Metro ExpressLanes Customer Service Center by mailing in a copy of your current registration information.

Please note that other California toll facilities may require motorcycles to have a FasTrak transponder. We strongly encourage you to contact the other toll operating agencies should you have any questions pertaining to these facilities.

I drive a CNG/Electric/Zero Emission vehicle; do I have to pay a toll? Will I need FasTrak^®?

Effective February 24, 2014, vehicles displaying a DMV issued White or Green Clean Air Vehicle Decal http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/decal.htm will be toll-free. All vehicles, including Clean Air Vehicles, are required to have a FasTrak® transponder while traveling on the ExpressLanes. To ensure toll-free travel, set your transponder to switch position 3 (3+ person carpool) prior to starting your trip. Clean energy vehicles that do not have a Clean Air Vehicle Decal must drive with their transponder set according to their vehicle occupancy.

Can large trucks use the ExpressLanes?

No. Only 2-axle trucks are allowed on the ExpressLanes.

How can I earn toll credits for taking transit?

If you use your registered TAP card on transit that operates on the I-10 or I-110 ExpressLanes, you can earn $5 in toll credits (that will be applied to your FasTrak® account) for every 32 one-way trips during peak hours. Qualifying transit trips can also be counted towards waiving the monthly maintenance fee. (link to TAP rewards)

How do I register my TAP card?

You can register your TAP card at taptogo.net. Here are the instructions:
• Click on Sign In and click on New User
• Complete required info
• Click Next
• Agree with Terms and Conditions
• Click Finish to complete the registration
• Wait a few seconds and then you should be taken to the main screen
• Once you are back to the main screen, Click on Manage My Balance
• Input 16 digit TAP Card#
• Create 6 digit PIN
• Create Card Alias Name
• Click Submit

Then log into your FasTrak® account at metroexpresslanes.net and enter your registered TAP ID number.

What transit lines qualify to earn toll credits for the Transit Rewards program?

On the I-110:
Metro Lines 450, 550 and Metro Silver Line
Gardena Line 1X
Torrance Line 4

On the I-10:
Metro Lines 485, 487, 489 and Metro Silver Line
Foothill Lines 481, 493, 497, 498, 499, 699 and Foothill Silver Streak