Lane Network. Currently there are many gaps in the region’s carpool lane system. The bill would close those gaps and give carpoolers and buses a seamless network of unobstructed lanes to provide a much faster commute. Solo drivers could use the lanes if they choose to pay an adjustable electronic toll that would be based on traffic congestion.
“This bill will create jobs, improve the region’s transportation system more quickly and reduce greenhouse gases,” Torrico said. “It will enable us to start projects and put people to work sooner because we can use the future toll revenue to pay off bonds. Carpoolers and bus-riders would no longer see their lanes abruptly end and more people will be able to spend quality time with their families rather than wasting it stuck in rush-hour traffic.”
BATA would collaborate with a regional project oversight committee comprised of the region’s congestion management agencies, Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol. The toll lane revenue from each corridor would be pooled and spent first on debt service and financing costs associated with construction of the network. At least 95 percent of the remaining revenue would be returned to the corridors in proportion to the revenue generated within each area.
“Creating a Bay Area Express Lane Network will allow us to get more use out of each available lane and to move commuters more efficiently,” Torrico said |
