Managed Lanes for Beginners: WashDOT Primer Tells the Story

A simple, 2½-minute video for the I-405 Express Toll Lanes from Bellevue to Lynnwood, Washington State explains the differences between regular toll roads and managed lanes, and gives customers a primer on when and why they would voluntarily pay a toll.

“So why would you pay a toll when you have a choice?” the narrator asks. “Because Express Toll Lanes offer a faster, more predictable trip when you need it most.”

A mom who is late to pick up her daughter from preschool figures prominently in the hand-drawn video. “In order to bypass the congestion and avoid the late pickup fees, she can choose to pay a toll and use the Express Toll Lanes. To keep lanes moving smoothly, we manage the lanes with tolls based on traffic conditions.”

The video notes that I-405’s maximum toll rate of $10 is a signal to drivers “that the Express Toll Lanes are at capacity and speeds are slowing.” The production does a good job of setting realistic expectations for the times of day when drivers keep entering the lanes, even when the variable tolls are at their highest rate—while pointing out that average tolls across the system are below $4.

You can watch the video, below.

Save the date now, to attend IBTTA’s AET, Managed Lanes and Technology Summit, April 22-24, 2018, in Charlotte, NC.