ATLANTA —
Amid complaints from commuters that the cost of using the new High Occupancy Toll lanes on Interstate Highway 85 is too high, Gov. Nathan Deal said Thursday the rates are being dropped.
The State Road and Tollway Authority opened the lanes last weekend along a stretch of I-85 in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, giving commuters the option of paying a toll for a quicker trip, with the cost varying with traffic volume. So far, it appears that the toll lanes are being lightly used.
“Looking at what we’ve learned from our first four work days with the HOT lanes, I’ve asked SRTA to improve utilization of the express lanes,” Deal said. “In the short term, the toll rate will lower — starting with Thursday afternoon’s commute — but the effective rate will continue to change to regulate speed and volume.”
Previously, drivers were able to use High Occupancy Vehicle lanes along I-85 without cost, provided the vehicle had at least two occupants. The HOT arrangement requires three occupants for a toll-free ride
Deal said federal regulations require a vehicle to have three occupants for the toll to be waived. He said he will seek a waiver of that rule, allowing vehicles with two occupants to travel toll-free, but did not know how long that would take.
“As governor, I’m committed to finding transportation solutions that help Georgians get to work and back home to their families. I will continue to monitor the situation as drivers become more accustomed to this new system,” Deal said. He said the need for more access and exit points for the toll lanes also would be addressed.
SRTA continues to issue, on average, 1,700 Peach Passes a day, allowing people to use the HOT lanes. As of Thursday, SRTA said there are 75,000 passes in circulation with a target of 175,000.
State News
Deal: Tolls dropping for I-85 HOT lanes
- State News
-
-
Iran welcomes U.S. rescue of sailors from pirates
Iran’s government on Saturday welcomed the U.S. Navy’s rescue of 13 Iranian fishermen held by pirates, calling it a positive humanitarian gesture.
-
Occupy protesters eye diversity as movement grows
Jason Woody immediately recognized a shared struggle with many of the Occupy Wall Street demonstrators: The 2007 college graduate has been out of work for two years, and it’s been longer since he’s seen a doctor. He also noticed something else — the lack of brown faces on the front lines of the Occupy movement.
-
South Carolina man sets up downtown haunt
Staggering national debt, unrest in the Middle East, devastating earthquakes, poisoned cantaloupes: the world’s a scary place.
-
Atlanta’s High features masterpieces of modern art
With bright, bold colors, varying formats and iconic images, a new exhibition at Atlanta’s main art museum allows visitors to experience dozens of modern art masterpieces and to explore the relationships among the artists who created them.
-
UGA gets $1.2M grant to study nutrition in pecans
A University of Georgia researcher on Friday was awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to study the nutritional benefits of pecans and offer those findings to help promote the nuts, which are fetching record prices thanks to exploding demand in China and other markets overseas.
-
Herman Cain’s sudden surge powered by 9-9-9 plan
If there’s a policy star in the Republican presidential primary it may be Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 tax overhaul plan.
-
Peanut shortage sending peanut butter prices up
Consumers should be prepared to shell out a bit more for peanut butter soon.
Another hot, dry summer in key producing states and competition from more profitable crops like cotton have significantly shrunk the U.S. peanut crop this year. The tight supply means consumers will soon pay more for yet another grocery staple. -
Kids’ ER concussion visits up 60 pct over decade
The number of athletic children going to hospitals with concussions is up 60 percent in the past decade, a finding that is likely due to parents and coaches being more careful about treating head injuries, according to a new federal study.
-
Deal: Tolls dropping for I-85 HOT lanes
Amid complaints from commuters that the cost of using the new High Occupancy Toll lanes on Interstate Highway 85 is too high, Gov. Nathan Deal said Thursday the rates are being dropped.
-
Court considers Ga. ban on guns in churches
There’s a legal battle brewing in Georgia over whether licensed gun owners should be allowed to carry firearms to churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship after state lawmakers banned them from doing so last year.
- More State News Headlines
-
Iran welcomes U.S. rescue of sailors from pirates
