Rising demand results in increase during three time periods
June 29, 2010
ORANGE – In a continued effort to manage congestion on the 91 Express Lanes, tolls will increase during three time periods as a result of rising traffic volumes.
Beginning July 1, tolls will increase 75 cents during these slots and will result in the following tolls:
$8.50 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesdays
$9.80 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursdays
$8 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Fridays
The toll increase is part of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s congestion management pricing policy that is in effect on the 10-mile toll road. The policy calls for dropping and raising tolls based on traffic demand. Traffic volumes are monitored daily and adjusted quarterly.
In addition, the congestion management pricing policy calls for an annual cost of living increase to tolls that have not been adjusted during the previous 12 months. Those tolls will rise .62 percent (rounded up or down to the nearest 5-cent increment).
OCTA bought the 91 Express Lanes in 2003 from the private company that built them. The purchase removed a non-compete clause and to date, more than $10 million from 91 Express Lanes revenue has gone to improve the Riverside Freeway (SR-91).
Currently under construction on SR-91 is an eastbound lane addition between the Eastern Transportation Corridor (SR-241) and the Corona Expressway (SR-71), a project funded in part with $6.6 million in toll revenue.
Toll rates will now vary depending on hour, day and direction of travel from $1.30 to $10.25. The average toll is $2.37 cents.
To view the new toll schedule, go to www.octa.net/91tolls .
