Fasttrack is elitist. Now the congestion in the non-Fasttrack lanes is horrendous, whereas the traffic in the fastTrack lanes is very light. This very uneven use of the available lanes does not make sense. These free-ways were built by our tax money, and now a new fee is collected to use the Diamond lane, favoring the wealthy. The rich can afford this, but not the common citizen. This extra fee certainly adds income to the State treasury, but is unfair. It separates the “haves” and the “have-nots.”
We were on vacation in the LA area and rented a car. Our rental did not have a transponder, nor did the agents have any idea what to tell us about how we would be charged for tolls upon returning our car. I would like to pay any of my tolls before they are turned over to Hertz. How do I go about doing this?
If you are only using the 91 Freeway, it would probably be more convenient if you sign up with FasTrak. The ExpressLanes FasTrak transponder will also work on other toll lanes, but it will allow you to use the ExpressLanes on the 10 and 110 freeways for free when you carpool. So if you think you’ll be using these two freeways often, ExpressLanes would be more useful. For more information on ExpressLanes, please visit https://www.metroexpresslanes.net/en/home/index.shtml. You can also call 511 and say “ExpressLanes.” Hope that helps a little bit.
Effective February 24, 2014, vehicles displaying a DMV issued White or Green Clean Air Vehicle Decal http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/decal.htm will be toll-free. All vehicles, including Clean Air Vehicles, are required to have a FasTrak® transponder while traveling on the ExpressLanes. To ensure toll-free travel, set your transponder to switch position 3 (3+ person carpool) prior to starting your trip. Clean energy vehicles that do not have a Clean Air Vehicle Decal must drive with their transponder set according to their vehicle occupancy.
You probably won’t get a violation from ExpressLanes but…you probably will get a citation from CHP or local police for driving without plates. Get some plates!
I got on the Expresslane today on Alameda onramp, thinking it was a carpool lane. Did not know about this Fastrak thing until I started seeing the lighted signs that shows the cost for HOV +2, HOVE+3, etc. Then I immediately switched to the free lanes before I got under those cameras. Will I be fined for not having a transponder anyway?
I took the 10 west express lane today with a passenger, will I be fined for not having a transporter? The website says tolling will begin feb 23, 2013.
Hello, I am traveling from Torrance, California to Burbank, California. What highway/route provides the metro express lanes or fast track lanes?
Hi Edwin;
The ExpressLanes are on the 110 freeway. More info at http://www.metroexpresslanes.net. Hope that helps!
Steve Hymon
Editor, The Source
Fasttrack is elitist. Now the congestion in the non-Fasttrack lanes is horrendous, whereas the traffic in the fastTrack lanes is very light. This very uneven use of the available lanes does not make sense. These free-ways were built by our tax money, and now a new fee is collected to use the Diamond lane, favoring the wealthy. The rich can afford this, but not the common citizen. This extra fee certainly adds income to the State treasury, but is unfair. It separates the “haves” and the “have-nots.”
We were on vacation in the LA area and rented a car. Our rental did not have a transponder, nor did the agents have any idea what to tell us about how we would be charged for tolls upon returning our car. I would like to pay any of my tolls before they are turned over to Hertz. How do I go about doing this?
Hi Michele,
Please contact a representative at ExpressLanes in order to resolve: https://www.metroexpresslanes.net/en/about/csc.shtml
Hope this helps!
Anna Chen
hello i need to sign up for a fast pass to be used on 91 frwy who do i sign up with 91 express or fast trax
Hi Carlos,
If you are only using the 91 Freeway, it would probably be more convenient if you sign up with FasTrak. The ExpressLanes FasTrak transponder will also work on other toll lanes, but it will allow you to use the ExpressLanes on the 10 and 110 freeways for free when you carpool. So if you think you’ll be using these two freeways often, ExpressLanes would be more useful. For more information on ExpressLanes, please visit https://www.metroexpresslanes.net/en/home/index.shtml. You can also call 511 and say “ExpressLanes.” Hope that helps a little bit.
Anna Chen
Writer, The Source
I recently bought a hybrid vehicle with green stickers can i drive on the express lane without the transponder?
Hi Angel;
Here’s the info from http://www.metroexpresslanes.net website, which you may find helpful if interested in using the lanes.
Effective February 24, 2014, vehicles displaying a DMV issued White or Green Clean Air Vehicle Decal http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/decal.htm will be toll-free. All vehicles, including Clean Air Vehicles, are required to have a FasTrak® transponder while traveling on the ExpressLanes. To ensure toll-free travel, set your transponder to switch position 3 (3+ person carpool) prior to starting your trip. Clean energy vehicles that do not have a Clean Air Vehicle Decal must drive with their transponder set according to their vehicle occupancy.
Steve Hymon
Editor, The Source
If I accidentally got in the express lane how will they send me a violation if I have no plates I am willing to pay
You probably won’t get a violation from ExpressLanes but…you probably will get a citation from CHP or local police for driving without plates. Get some plates!
Steve Hymon
Editor, The Source
I got on the Expresslane today on Alameda onramp, thinking it was a carpool lane. Did not know about this Fastrak thing until I started seeing the lighted signs that shows the cost for HOV +2, HOVE+3, etc. Then I immediately switched to the free lanes before I got under those cameras. Will I be fined for not having a transponder anyway?
Hi John;
It sounds like you switched lanes in time, but I can’t be sure. If you are cited and need to reach the ExpressLanes, phone 511 and say “ExpressLanes.”
Steve Hymon
Editor, The Source
I took the 10 west express lane today with a passenger, will I be fined for not having a transporter? The website says tolling will begin feb 23, 2013.
Hi Maria;
No you won’t be fined. On the 23rd and thereafter you will need a FasTrak transponder to use the lanes.
Steve Hymon
Editor, The Source
Febuary 23, 2013
I would like a specific date when the 10 freeway will open?