91 Express Lanes Planning to Raise Peak-Traffic Tolls

Users of the 91 Express Lanes on the Riverside Freeway can expect toll increases of up to $1 one-way during peak travel times under a rate policy recommended Friday by a panel of elected officials from Riverside and Orange counties.

Members of the 91 Express Lanes Advisory Committee voted 8 to 1 to adopt a congestion-based formula, which, at present traffic levels, could trigger a 75-cent toll increase as soon as August for eastbound travel between 4 and 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. A further increase in traffic levels would trigger the $1 toll hike.

Corona City Councilman Jeff Miller, who has long opposed toll increases for the lanes, cast the dissenting vote.

Officials say a formal toll policy and rate increases are needed to clear the way for a $200-million refinancing of the tollway set for October and to keep the high-speed Express Lanes from becoming clogged, defeating their purpose.

The change for the evening rush-hour would push the maximum one-way toll to $5.50, among the most expensive per-mile tolls in the nation.

Fees now range from $1 to $4.75 each way, depending on the time of day. Carpools with three or more people travel free, except during the evening rush hour, when they pay half the toll.

The new toll formula must be approved by the Orange County Transportation Authority. OCTA board members are scheduled to vote Monday on the recommended policy.