Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Please describe the VTA Silicon Valley Express Lanes Program
Who can use VTA's Express Lanes?
What freeways are being considered?
What would express lanes look like?
How would I use the express lanes?
How are the entry and exit points to the express lanes determined?
How do Express Lanes differ from traditional toll roads?
Why is VTA considering this program? 

Benefits

What are the benefits of express lanes?
I live in Morgan Hill and work in Palo Alto. Will I be able to drive in Express Lanes the entire distance? 

Express Lanes Fees

How much would it cost solo drivers to use express lanes?
How are the toll rates determined?
Where does the toll money go? 

Toll Collection Technology

What is FasTrak?
If I have a transponder and carry a friend, will I get charged to use the express lanes?
What if I use a different car?

Enforcement

How will rules for using the express lanes be enforced?

What if I am being pulled over, or there is an emergency vehicle that needs to pass?

Equity for all

Are express lanes fair and agreeable to all income levels?
Didn't I already "pay" for this lane? Why do I have to pay again to use it?
Do express lanes sabotage carpooling?
Are express lanes a new idea? How can you be sure the concept will work?
Are other Express Lane Projects self sustaining?

Next Steps

What is the timetable for implementation of the Silicon Valley Express Lanes Program?
How can I learn more?
 

SR 237-specific Questions

Who can use the SR 237/I-880 Express Lanes?
What is HOV 2+?
How do I enter the southbound I-880 to westbound SR 237 Express Lane?
How do I exit the westbound SR 237 Express Lane?
How do I enter the eastbound SR 237 to northbound I-880 Express Lane?
How do I exit the eastbound SR 237 to northbound I-880 Express Lane?
What is the alternative route for carpoolers that want to exit at either McCarthy Blvd., or Zanker Rd?
Why are there designated entrances and exits for the express lanes?
I carpool westbound SR 237 to First Street and now I am unable to use the North First Street exit? Why, and what do I do?
What happens if a carpool or toll-paying vehicle crosses the double white line?
Will new lanes be added to the two freeways?
What are the hours of operation for the SR 237/I-880 Express Lanes?
How much will it cost to use the express lanes?
How do I pay the toll?
Where can I purchase a FasTrak toll tag?
The express lanes are not operating yet, and when I drove through, my transponder was beeping. Was I just charged?
What happens to the toll money?
Where can I get more information about the SR 237 Express Lanes Project and future plans for other express lane projects in Santa Clara County?

Overview

Please describe the VTA Silicon Valley Express Lanes Program.

Since 2008 the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has been implementing the Silicon Valley Express Lanes Program to provide congestion relief through more efficient use of existing roadways. The Express Lanes program is a countywide conversion of 180 miles of existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or carpool) lanes beginning with SR 237 and Interstate I-880 direct connector, and proposes to convert U.S. 101 and SR 85 HOV lanes.  

Express lanes (also known as High Occupancy Toll or “HOT” Lanes) allow solo drivers the option to use the lanes for a fee. All eligible carpool vehicles including clean air vehicles with applicable decals will continue to use the lanes free of charge. Fees from solo drivers are collected electronically using FasTrak electronic toll collection technology already used on San Francisco Bay Area Bridges and elsewhere in California.  Tolls are based on the level of congestion and are adjusted to maintain a free flow of traffic. Enforcement will be provided by the California Highway Patrol.
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Who can use VTA's Express Lanes?

Vehicles carrying at least two people of any age, buses, vanpools, motorcycles and clean air vehicles with applicable decals can use express lanes toll-free and do not need to carry a transponder. Only people who are driving alone must pay a toll to use express lanes.
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What freeways are being considered?

SR 237 and I-880 direct connectors will be converted and completed in Spring 2012. A two year Santa Clara County HOT Lane Feasibilty study identified U.S. 101 and SR 85 to have the potential for successful express lane implementation. This would form the foundation for a future express lanes network in Santa Clara County.
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What would express lanes look like?

New striping will delineate express lanes from general purpose lanes with a 2 foot wide buffer zone featuring double solid white lines except at specific entry and exit points. Each entry and exit point would be equipped with overhead electronic signs and a FasTrak electronic toll collection system.
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How would I use the express lanes?

Express lanes are easy to use. Simply open a prepaid FasTrak account and obtain and install a FasTrak transponder (available through selected retail outlets and on-line). See details at  www.bayareafastrak.org/. Upon approaching one of the entrances to the lanes, check the posted toll for your destination and determine if you wish to use the lane for that price. Eligible carpool lane users would simply enter the lanes at one of the designated entrances with no charge.
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How are the entry and exit points to the express lanes determined?

Entry and exit points for express lanes are based on a number of criteria including access to freeways and expressways and traffic flows in the corridors. Express lanes will limit where vehicles (including carpools) can enter and leave the lanes to maximize safety, enforcement and travel reliability. The design is similar to that of the carpool lanes in operation in Southern California.
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How do express lanes differ from traditional toll roads?

• On a traditional toll road all users pay a toll. With express lanes, only solo drivers who choose to use the lane will pay a toll.
• Express lanes will operate alongside the regular lanes separated by painted buffer stripes. 
• Toll rates will vary depending on the level of congestion in the express lane
  to ensure optimal speed is maintained in the express lanes.
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Why is VTA considering this program?

The VTA Express Lanes Program comes at a crucial time. As Santa Clara County prepares for a 38% growth in population and a 62% increase in jobs (668,000 new residents and 540,000 new jobs) in the period between 2010 and 2035, funding for transportation improvements is projected at only a fraction of that amount.

Better utilization of the existing roadway infrastructure is part of the solution. The state of California recognizing this fact passed and signed into law California Assembly Bill 2032 in September 2004, and subsequent Assembly Bill 574 in October 2007, which authorized VTA to implement the Express Lanes Program on two corridors as a strategy to manage traffic congestion.

VTA undertook a feasibility study to see if express lanes are viable option in Santa Clara County. The study recommended the U.S. 101 and SR 85 corridor as among the most promising corridors to be carried forward for short term implementation. In fall 2005 the VTA Board of Directors authorized VTA staff to proceed to the next phase in the development of an Express Lanes Program.
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Benefits

What are the benefits of express lanes?

• Increase efficiency of existing roadway: The carpool lanes are underutilized and can accommodate more vehicles than currently use them. By encouraging transit and carpools, and allowing solo drivers to pay a fee to access the lanes, we can make more efficient use of existing roadways.
• Gives solo drivers another commute choice.
• Fast, reliable travel: Toll rates will vary depending on the level of congestion in the express lane to ensure optimal speed is maintained and VTA can manage the amount of traffic in the express lanes and maintain free-flowing speeds, even when the general purpose lane is congested. Motorists who choose to use the express lanes can count on reliable travel times.
• Revenue reinvested in the corridor: Tolls collected will be used to operate the lanes and for other transportation improvements in the SR 237 and U.S. 101/SR 85 corridors- including transit.
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I live in South County and work on the Peninsula and drive both U.S. 101 and SR 85.  Would I be able to drive in express lanes the entire distance?

Yes! One of the unique advantages of express lanes would be the interconnection of these freeways. With the express lanes network, a driver from Morgan Hill to Palo Alto would enjoy congestion free travel through the entire urban area traveled.
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Express Lane Fees

How much would it cost solo drivers to use express lanes?

The toll rates have yet to be determined. Similar express lane projects across the country have tolls ranging from $1 to $10. Toll rates will be adjusted, changing incrementally as the traffic volume fluctuates, in order to maintain optimal speed in the express lane. When traffic is light, toll prices are low. When congestion increases, toll prices go up to regulate the number of drivers entering the express lanes.
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How are the toll rates determined?

Tolls are determined by congestion levels. Shorter distances, off-peak travel times and free-flowing conditions will result in lower tolls. The opposite conditions will result in higher tolls in order to limit the use and keep the express lanes operating at a minimum of 45 mph.
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Where does the toll money go?

Assembly Bill 2032 directs that revenue from express lanes operations be reinvested in projects and services that provide traffic congestion relief in the express lanes corridor. This will include operation and maintenance of the express lanes and expanding public transit service within the corridor.
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Toll Collection Technology

What is FasTrak?

FasTrak is the name of an electronic toll collection (ETC) system that allows you to prepay your tolls, eliminating the need to stop at a toll booth. It is currently in use on a number of Bay Area bridges and on express lanes and toll roads in Orange and San Diego Counties. Solo drivers choosing to utilize the express lanes will need a FasTrak transponder for their vehicle.

The FasTrak transponder is a small battery-powered radio toll collection device that mounts easily to your windshield. In California, the transponder is marketed under the name FasTrak.
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If I have a transponder and carry a friend, will I get charged to use the express lanes?

No. If you are carpooling and you have a FasTrak transpondor, make sure to place your transpondor in the Mylar bag it came with to prevent the antenna from reading and deducting a toll. 

Mylar Bag Replacement

If you need a Mylar bag replacement, call Bay Area Fastrak at 1-877-229-8655, and speak with a customer service agent. They will send you a free replacement in 5-10 business days.

Toll Tag License Plate Frames

If you have a toll tag license plate frame, and you will be carpooling in the express lane, you may consider switching to a transponder that you can mount on your windshield so that you can access it and place it in the Mylar bag to avoid the toll charge.
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What if I use a different car?

Take the transponder with you when driving another car or order a second transponder by contacting  FasTrak. (Both transponders can be linked to a single account).  If you are using a rental car, please click here for addional options.
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Enforcement

How will rules for using the express lanes be enforced?

The California Highway Patrol will be in charge of enforcement using a combination of new technologies and visual checks for occupancy (as with HOV lanes).   
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What if I am being pulled over by CHP, or there is an emergency vehicle that needs to pass?

If you are being pulled over from an express lane you should pull to the right hand shoulder as soon as it's safe and legal to do so. Per the California DMV Vehicle Code Section 21806 regarding Authorized Emergency Vehicles:

Equity for all

Are express lanes fair and agreeable to all income levels?

Express lanes around the country have proven very popular with solo drivers, transit users and carpoolers from all income levels and walks of life because they provide people with a choice for reliable travel if they want or need it. Here in California, over a decade of data is available from Orange and San Diego Counties. The data indicates that the vast majority of drivers - high and low income - use express lanes as a form of "congestion insurance" - whether it is a businessperson late for a meeting or a parent running late to pick up a child at day care.
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Didn't I already "pay" for this lane?Why do I have to pay again to use it?

Currently, a solo driver in a time-critical situation does not have the option of utilizing the congestion-free carpool lane. Express lanes provide a new choice allowing solo drivers the option of access to the carpool lane if they are late for a meeting, in a hurry to pick up the kids or in a rush to catch a flight. Express lane projects across the country have shown that 80 percent of solo drivers who use the express lane only use it occasionally on an as-needed basis. With express lanes, no one pays twice for something they have already bought. Unlike taxation, no one is forced to pay; solo motorists would simply have a choice to pay to get premium service - an uncongested lane that was previously unavailable. Additionally, the tolls are true user-fees in that all revenues are reinvested in the corridor being served for operations and maintenance, enforcement, and further transportation enhancements.
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Do express lanes discourage carpooling?

No. The data reveals the opposite. In San Diego, Minneapolis and Denver, carpool usage went up after the implementation of express lanes. Data from the I-15 corridor in San Diego reveals that since 1997 carpool vehicles using the express lanes have increased by 13% annually. 
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Are express lanes a new idea? How can you be sure the concept will work?

The first express lane project was implemented in Orange County on SR 91 in 1995. Since then, there are several express lane projects that have been implemented across the country including in San Diego, Minneapolis, Denver, Seattle, Miami and Salt Lake City and now in Alameda and Santa Clara counties. The success of express lanes has encouraged many more metropolitan areas to also implement express lane projects in the near future including Washington DC, Virginia, Houston, and Atlanta. In addition, San Diego, Minneapolis and Seattle are planning future expansion to their existing express lane network as the concept has proven to work well.
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Are other express lane projects self sustaining?

Yes. Express lanes around the United States not only cover costs of operations and maintenance, but also supply extra revenue for transportation enhancements including transit in the express lanes corridor. This is a benefit that ensures the express lane corridors are well maintained and self sustaining without additional burden to taxpayers for more funding in the future.
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Next Steps

What is the timetable for implementation of the VTA Express Lanes Program?

VTA received VTA Board approval for the project in December 2008. Anticipated operation is scheduled to begin in the SR 237/I-880 direct connectors in Spring 2012 and then U.S. 85 in 2014 and U.S. 101in 2016.
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How can I learn more?

To learn more about how express lanes will benefit the quality of life and improve mobility throughout Santa Clara County, you are encouraged to send an email to community.outreach@vta.org or call VTA Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575, (TTY) for the hearing impaired (408) 321-2330.
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SR 237-specific Questions

Who can use the SR 237/I-880 Express Lanes?

Any vehicle that qualifies to use an existing carpool lane, for example, vehicles carrying at least two people of any age, buses, vanpools, motorcycles, and clean air vehicles with applicable decals can use express lanes toll-free and do not need to carry a transponder. Only people who are driving alone must pay a toll to use express lanes. 
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What is HOV 2+?

New to many drivers is the sign reading HOV 2+.  HOV means High Occupancy Vehicle (also known as a carpool).  The 2+ designates the need to have a minimum of 2 or more occupants. 
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How do I enter the southbound I-880 to westbound SR 237 Express Lane?

The existing carpool lane on southbound I-880 will convert into an express lane midway between Dixon Landing Road and the interchange of the two freeways. After that point, vehicle entry (or exit) will not be permitted until the express lane ends.

There will be no express lane access available for vehicles entering westbound SR 237 at Calaveras Boulevard, McCarthy Ranch Boulevard or Zanker Road. 

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How do I exit the westbound SR 237 Express Lane?

Vehicles can exit the express lane after the North First Street overcrossing when the express lane reverts into an HOV lane. Toll-paying drivers will have until Lawrence Expressway to exit the HOV lane.

Vehicles in the general purpose lanes will still be able to exit at either Zanker Road or North First Street.
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How do I enter the eastbound SR 237 to northbound I-880 Express Lane?

The existing carpool lane on eastbound SR 237 will convert into an express lane between North First Street and the Zanker Road overcrossing. After that point, vehicle entry (or exit) will not be permitted until the express lane ends.
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How do I exit the eastbound SR 237 to northbound I-880 Express Lane?

The express lane will revert back into a HOV lane after the freeways merge and before Dixon Landing Road. Toll-paying drivers will have until Dixon Landing Road to exit the HOV lane.
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What is the alternative route for carpoolers that want to exit at either McCarthy Blvd., or Zanker Rd?

Carpoolers are encouraged to consider remaining in the HOV lanes on SB I-880 and exiting at Tasman to reach Zanker or McCarthy. 

Why are there designated entrances and exits for the express lanes?

Limited access helps keep express lane traffic moving smoothly.
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I carpool westbound SR 237 to First Street and now I am unable to use the North First Street exit? Why, and what do I do?

If the westbound express lane ended after Zanker Road, a new bottleneck could result due to weaving of traffic between carpoolers entering from Milpitas and exiting express lane traffic to North First Street, Great America Parkway, and Lawrence Expressway.

The alternative route for express lane users is to access North First Street via Great America Parkway.  It is an additional 2 miles, however you will bypass the congestion in the general purpose lanes and have a 6-10 minute travel time savings.
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What happens if either a carpool or toll-paying vehicle crosses the double white line? 

Do not cross a double white line. Crossing the double white line is a violation of the state vehicle code and the California Highway Patrol will issue tickets to violators. The minimum fine is $471.

• The double white lines are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of carpool or express lane hours of operation.  During the non-operational hours anyone can use the lane and will need to adhere to the entry and exits to avoid crossing the double white lines.
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Will new lanes be added to the two freeways?

No, existing carpool lanes will be converted to express lanes.
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What are the hours of operation for the SR 237/I-880 Express Lanes?

The hours of operation will mirror the hours of operation for the existing carpool lanes, except for the morning commute on the SB I-880 to WB SR 237 express lane from 5 to 10 a.m.

SB I-880 to WB SR 237           5 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.
EB SR 237 to NB I-880            5 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.

During other hours, this lane will function as a general traffic lane and can be used without a fee being charged.  Please remember to adhere to the entry and exit points and do not cross the double white lines.
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How much will it cost to use the express lanes?

The toll rate will vary. As congestion in the express lane increases the toll rate also increases, conversely as congestion decreases in the express lane the toll rate will decrease. The average toll rate will be around $3. Of course, there is never a charge for carpool users.
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How do I pay the toll?

Tolls are paid through the use of a FasTrak transponder, which is the same device used to automatically pay bridge tolls throughout the Bay Area. Electronic signage in advance of the express lanes will display the toll you will be charged if you choose to use the lane.
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Where can I purchase a FasTrak toll tag?

FasTrak toll tags are available at various retail outlets or can be purchased directly from the Bay Area Toll Authority. For more information on how to use FasTrak, please visit the website: www.bayareafastrak.org 
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The express lanes are not operating yet, and when I drove through, my transponder was beeping. Was I just charged?

The toll readers are on and being tested at this time, however you are not being charged until the express lanes go live in March.  At that time you will see the display boards indicating the current toll rate.

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What happens to the toll money?

The legislation authorizing this project requires tolls from the express lanes be used to support operations and maintenance, enforcement, and further transportation improvements within the corridor including transit.
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Where can I get more information about the SR 237 Express Lanes Project and future plans for other express lane projects in Santa Clara County?

Please visit www.vta.org/expresslanes or call VTA Community Outreach at (408) 321-7575.
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