Toll lanes on I-405 between Lynnwood and Bellevue have marked a big shift in the commute.
But they may mark an even bigger shift for non-commuters who puzzle over what to do.
Paul Tarr of Everett has yet to use the toll lanes but did a “test run” of the area to better understand the route he needs to take for doctor’s appointments in Bellevue.
His appointments aren’t frequent enough to qualify for a free Flex Pass.
So after a lot of research, Tarr — who is disabled and on a fixed income — spent $30 to set up a Good To Go account and then use his balance to buy a $15 Flex Pass. This type of pass gives him and his wife the option of a faster drive at the cheapest rate, including toll-free during non-peak hours.
“We decided to bite the bullet,” Tarr said. “I’ve got to visit the doctor. And we want to visit the grandkids.”
But it wasn’t an easy decision.
“Had they set out to design a toll system that placed maximum financial stress on people of limited income they would be hard pressed to come up with a more effective system,” Tarr said.
In an earlier interview, WSDOT Assistant Secretary for Tolling Craig Stone acknowledged that the toll lanes are a big change for non-commuters.
But in a growing region where traffic is bad and only getting worse, the focus is on commuters.
“The priority is transit first, then vanpools, then carpools and eventually down to single drivers. Then you get down to infrequent users,” Stone said. “These really are designed for frequent users.”
Toll lanes are open to anyone. A Good To Go account and pass are not required. Drivers will pay more to use the lanes without an account, however.
Learn more at our I-405 tolling Q-and-A, at http://tinyurl.com/I405TollQnA.
Have a question? Email us at streetsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your first and last name and city of residence. Look for updates on the Street Smarts blog.
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