HOT lanes vs Slugs? Benefit or Problem?

mpatoka, You might not be familiar with the history of the limited access lanes. When the lanes went HOV, that was a significant change, but even greater was when the Commonwealth allowed a hybrid exemption to meet HOV requirements during peak commuting hours. The result was hybrids everywhere, as many people were willing to pay the premium for a hybrid then to pick up slugs.

If people were willing to pay $15K more for a car, don't you think they would be willing to pay $5-10/day to not pick up slugs? Remember, the propaganda for the toll lanes is about time savings, and time is NOT saved picking up slugs.

So, how did it go this morning? There was a big wreck in the local lanes in Newington that may have prompted some people to pay the toll, but I'm more curious about how many slug drivers had their E-ZPass Flex devices and were prepared for the new regime. WTOP was reporting on the first "regular" commute using the new rules ("regular" denoting that last week's traffic was still very light due to Christmas and New Year's), and the WTOP reporter was at the Horner Road lot interviewing a driver who was picking up slugs but who had no E-ZPass whatsoever, neither the standard device nor the Flex. It wasn't really clear why he didn't have a transponder.

I suspect there are a fair number of drivers who are in that same position who may receive a bill in the mail in a few weeks and who will then try to create an imaginary scandal despite the ample publicity saying you need an E-ZPass. The key is, if you don't have one, GO ONLINE THIS WEEK TO PAY THE TOLL because the fee is a lot less if you pay online before they mail you an invoice.

(I also recall several years ago some members of this forum talked real big about refusing to get E-ZPasses and then using the lanes anyway and refusing to pay the tolls. Dumb idea. WTOP also had a report about a woman whose license was revoked by the DMV. She refused to pay her toll bill, then refused to show up in court to contest it, so the court entered a default judgment against her. Then she refused to pay again. At that point, it's contempt of court. State law required the DMV to suspend her license. Stupid thing to do on her part.)

I'm normally a rider, but I bought an EZ Pass flex back in November so I'd have it if I needed to drive (or felt like it). Picked up 3 slugs at Rolling Valley around 6:05 and cruised in. I noticed a few solo drivers, but they exited at the 495 or Edsal Rd off ramp.

While I'm opposed to the HOT concept, the extra lanes and new pavement are nice. I can imagine that later in the AM, merging onto the HOT lanes in the Springfield area could be a headache...

I'm confused. If the drivers get paid by using HOT lanes, why do some ask for gas money donations?