![]() ![]() "Now we have the opportunity, with the new lanes to allow folks in a carpool, with their transponder, to access those lanes, and that’s encouraging." "We’ve never had buses on the Beltway because they would merely sit in the same traffic congestion along with everyone else… There are 51,000 Fairfax County commuters that ride public transportation to and from work, and yet the Beltway has never been an option," she said. "The improved public transportation access will give them options as well."įairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova said the new transponders were a "bold step" in shaping the future of transportation in the region. "Commuting is stressful, so anything that can reduce that stress and make it easier for people to get to work, gives us one less worry that people aren’t coming to work angry," said Doug Koelemay, vice president for Community Relations for SAIC, which has several facilities in Tysons. Tysons Corner businesses hope that projects like the Express Lanes and other improvements will improve the quality of life of commuters. The project, which used an estimated 8.5 million man hours, will open at the end of this year, according to general manager Tim Steinhilber, which is according to schedule.įairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova speaks at the unveiling of the new EZ-Pass Flex transponder in Tysons Corner Wednesday, July 25. The express lanes will use variable pricing, which changes according to traffic conditions, to allow cars to move along two separated lanes in each direction. The state police will have an easy way to recognize vehicles as either HOV or non-HOV and with that they can exercise the necessary enforcement to make sure these lanes are operating properly." "On the toll gantries there will be indicators that show when a vehicle traveling under it is in HOV mode. Because of that, all riders on the lanes should have the pass," Kilpatrick said. "The 495 Express Lanes are an all-electronic facility. When not in HOV mode, the switch is toggled to normal mode, which will allow tolls to be charged at the standard rate. This switch will allow HOV vehicles to gain access to the 495 Express Lanes without being charged the variable toll rate that other vehicles will pay. The EZ-Pass Flex transponder is about the size of the units in use today, but feature a toggle switch. "The EZ-Pass Flex shows how we’re leading the way in technology." "Carpooling is important in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we’re a national leader in HOV, on 95, 66, the Hampton Roads area and soon to be on the 495 Express Lanes," said Charlie Kilpatrick, chief deputy commissioner for VDOT. For more information on the Toll Relief Program, click here.Charlie Kilpatrick, chief deputy commissioner for VDOT, announces the new EZ-Pass Flex transponder in Tysons Corner Wednesday, July 25. Current program participants must re-enroll each year. Portsmouth, VA 23701īenefits will apply to trips beginning March 1. Portsmouth E-ZPass Customer Service Center: 4010 Victory Blvd. Norfolk E-ZPass Customer Service Center: 1701 Church St. Residents must apply in person and bring proof of income and residency to the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers in either Norfolk or Portsmouth. To qualify, Norfolk and Portsmouth residents must earn $30,000 or less per year. The program provides 50% off tolls for 2-axle vehicles, including motorcycles, passenger cars, SUV’s, pickups and vans, at the Downtown and Midtown tunnels to qualified residents for up to 10 trips per week. ![]() The last day for Norfolk and Portsmouth residents to apply for toll relief benefits is now February 19. – The Virginia Department of Transportation has extended enrollment for the 2022 Toll Relief Program. ![]()
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