What happens when HOT lanes can't deliver?

August 26, 2008 - 5:57am

Adam Tuss, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON -- The high occupancy toll lanes that are being built on the Capital Beltway could take a hefty bite out of drivers' wallets in exchange for a speedy commute. But what happens if the HOT lanes can no longer promise that quick ride?

The Virginia Department of Transportation tells WTOP it has had conversations recently about the possibility of HOT lanes becoming too crowded -- something that could reduce the speed on those lanes.

HOT lanes are supposed to guarantee drivers a minimum speed of 45 miles per hour. To achieve that, the price of the toll keeps going up and up, thinning out those that are willing to pay to use the road.

However, if too many people are willing to pay -- regardless of the price -- and speeds on HOT lanes drop below 45 miles per hour, VDOT says there may have to be some mechanism to make sure the customer is satisfied.

The private contractor of the HOT lanes, Flour-Transurban, already faces penalties if the speed drops lower than 45 miles per hour -- but drivers are not guaranteed any sort of refund.

VDOT says it also has been talking about the possibility of putting gates at the entrances to HOT lanes so that drivers will not be allowed to enter if speeds are too slow.

Adam Tuss, WTOP Radio

The Virginia Department of Transportation tells WTOP it has had conversations recently about the possibility of HOT lanes becoming too crowded -- something that could reduce the speed on those lanes.

The private contractor of the HOT lanes, Flour-Transurban, already faces penalties if the speed drops lower than 45 miles per hour -- but drivers are not guaranteed any sort of refund.

VDOT says it also has been talking about the possibility of putting gates at the entrances to HOT lanes so that drivers will not be allowed to enter if speeds are too slow.

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