Lexus Lanes Managed toll lanes appear to be getting pretty popular with Miami drivers fed up with congestion on I-95.
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QuoteThat could be one explanation for the popularity of the I-95 Express Lanes, called Lexus Lanes by opponents because of the toll paid by solo drivers. While the toll has increased, so has their popularity with drivers, even with the maximum $7 toll.
Back in June, we posted "HOT [High Occupancy Toll] Lanes Slow to Catch on With Users". Evidently, motorists using Florida's I-95 Express Lanes failed to get the message. As "About.com Miami" indicates, "Despite the controversy surrounding the so-called 'Lexus Lane', 95 Express has proved extremely popular with commuters seeking to shave time off their commutes."
Kenny Malone writes on Florida Department of Transportation's latest problem in managing the five-year old express lanes, converted from high-occupancy vehicle lanes in late 2008. They've become so popular that the price increases implemented through the system's "dynamic tolling" to maintain traffic flow at 45 mph are having a diminished effect.
Tolls on the "95 Express lanes range from $0.25 to a $7.00 maximum, meaning drivers can only be charged up to that amount depending on how many tolls they pass on one trip."
full article: http://www.planetizen.com/node/66695
Well in Miami, the idea that there are more high end vehicles is probably accurate :)
It's about time traffic is only for poor people.
I wish they would add some to I-95 through town, inside the I-295 beltway. I would be willing to pay to use it on occasion, when I'm running late or something.
It's a similar problem to power generation. To get the current capacity to be used more efficiently rather than increase capacity you make it more expensive to use during times of peak demand. Sitting in traffic apparently isn't enough to get people to change their travel plans.