Deal Lowers HOT Lane Rates, Seeks Further Changes

Gov. Nathan Deal announced Thursday afternoon that he will implement changes to the new high-occupancy toll lanes on I-85, just four days after the lanes were opened.

Starting today, the rates will be lowered. “Looking at what we’ve learned from our first four work days with the HOT lanes, I’ve asked SRTA to improve utilization of the express lanes,” Deal said in a released statement. “In the short term, the toll rate will lower.…” The actual amount charged will continue to be variable to control the speed and volume in the lanes. 

Deal also points to access to the lanes as an issue. “Even before the lanes opened, we knew we needed to improve the access and exit points in the southbound direction. SRTA and the Georgia Department of Transportation are working together, and I’ve directed them to prioritize this action,” he said in the release.

The governor said he will also pursue a waiver from the federal government to change the number of passengers required for exemption from the toll to two. The former HOV lanes required just two people per car, while the new HOT lanes systems requires three people to ride without paying up.

Rates will still fluctuate based on volume, but drivers headed home Thursday evening saw that the top rate possible if they drove the entire 16- mile stretch would be $3.05 as opposed to $5.50.

SRTA reports that it is issuing 1,700 Peach Passes per day on average, with 75,000 Peach Passes in circulation. A Peach Pass is required to utilize the HOT Lanes.