Q: Toll and categorical lane signage is a multitude on Interstates 880 and 680.
Not too long ago I drove from San Jose to Richmond and again on 880, with a passenger within the automobile. I used to be busy watching visitors and making an attempt to learn the indicators. The passenger, additionally a licensed driver, learn indicators and helped me interpret them. My FasTrak Flex was set to 2.
After that drive, I do not know if I've tolls to pay, and if that's the case, how a lot, or whether or not I violated guidelines and shall be charged a penalty.
Indicators say HOV is 3+ occupancy. They don't say whether or not a non-HOV automobile can drive in categorical lanes at some toll fee, or isn't allowed. Tolls are posted on lighted indicators at intervals, however some are out. No indicators point out whether or not the toll is for HOV solely or for non-HOV, additionally. The one means to make certain of not violating some rule is to remain out of the categorical lanes utterly.
This complete scheme penalizes poor folks and serves those that are rich sufficient to not care about fees, overcharges or penalties.
Marilyn Sander, Campbell
A: Should you’re new to specific lanes, sure, the indicators and new guidelines might be complicated.
Q: Bless you, Joe Urbassik, concerning your disdain for the complicated FasTrak. Sure, the designers deserve each headache! I've FasTrak, however keep away from toll lanes as a result of lack of a easy, clear and comprehensible system. I hate it.
Scott Anderson
A: And…
Q: The massive drawback with FasTrak-enabled toll lanes is the extremely complicated insurance policies and signage which have resulted.
It’s not unusual to see a stretch of highway with “FasTrak Required” indicators interspersed with lighted messages studying, “Open to All”. Which takes priority? Is FasTrak required however single-occupant vehicles are OK? Ought to I, in my non-FasTrak-equipped automobile, weave into the lane after an “Open to All” signal and again out at any time when a “FasTrak Required” signal comes up?
Making an attempt to decipher this at 65+ mph is an accident ready to occur. It’s no marvel motorists are hit with surprising fees, and susceptible to disbelieve their FasTrak payments.
Can the powers-that-be please simplify this mess?
Les Niles, Los Gatos
A: And…
Q: My greatest pet peeve about FasTrak lanes is that they run from 5 a.m. to eight p.m., slightly than typical commute hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and three p.m. to 7 p.m., with a couple of exceptions.
This creates slowdowns and backups noon in some areas, whereas there are few vehicles in FasTrak lanes. Cease-and-go visitors begins sooner than 3 p.m. on many freeways. Prolonged FasTrak hours are including visitors congestion and air pollution, slightly than lowering it.
Dale Allison, Sunnyvale
A: That’s the final phrase for immediately.
Search for Gary Richards at fb.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.