OCTA Adjusts Tolls On 91 Express Lanes (2010)

Rising demand results in first increase in more than two years
ORANGE – Rising demand for use of the 91 Express Lanes will lead to the first toll increase on the road in more than two years.
Beginning April 1, the toll on the eastbound Express Lanes between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Fridays will increase 75 cents to $10.25.
The toll increase is part of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s congestion management pricing policy that is in effect on the 10-mile toll road. The policy calls for dropping and raising tolls based on traffic demand. Traffic volumes are monitored daily and adjusted quarterly.
Of 336 total time slots, only one has experienced ridership levels this quarter to trigger an increase. Since October 2008, the pricing policy has triggered reductions in tolls 33 times.
“The mission of the 91 Express Lanes is to provide free flowing traffic at the least possible cost to commuters,” said OCTA CEO Will Kempton. “Any increase ensures that we can continue to provide a consistent and reliable ride for our customers.”
OCTA bought the 91 Express Lanes in 2003 from the private company that built them. The purchase removed a non-compete clause and to date, more than $10 million from 91 Express Lanes revenue has gone toward improvements to the parallel Riverside Freeway (SR-91).
Currently under construction on SR-91 is an eastbound lane addition between the Eastern Transportation Corridor (SR-241) and the Corona Expressway (SR-71), a project funded in part with $6.6 million in toll revenue.
Toll rates will now vary depending on hour, day and direction of travel from $1.30 to $10.25. The average toll is $2.36 cents.
To view the new toll schedule, go to www.octa.net/91tolls