Toll Hike For East Bay Express Lanes In 2020

EAST BAY, CA — Starting in 2020, it will be more expensive to use express lanes on interstates 880 and 680 in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

On I-680, the minimum toll will be increased from $0.30 to $0.50, and drivers of clean-air vehicles will be required to pay a set rate of 50 percent of the full toll.

There are also several changes for I-880 in Alameda County. Existing HOV lanes on the busy interstate will be converted to express toll lanes from Hegenberger Road to Dixon Landing Road in the southbound direction, and from Dixon Landing Road to Lewelling Boulevard in the northbound direction.

The switch from HOV to express toll on I-880 will take place during rush-hour traffic, between the hours of 5-9 a.m. and from 3-7 p.m.

Solo drivers on I-88o express lanes will be required to pay the full toll; vehicles with two people, or drivers of clean-air vehicles, would pay 50 percent of the full toll; vehicles with three or more occupants would pay no toll. However, a minimum fee of $0.50 per toll zone would apply, according to a Oct. 23 memo for the Therese W. McMillan, executive director of the Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority.

All vehicles will be required to use FasTrak, the memo stated.

A public hearing on the matter will take place at the Dec. 18 Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority meeting. The agency will vote for adoption at its Jan. 22 meeting and the toll ordinance amendment would take effect 30 days from that time.

Read the full BAIFA memo outlining the changes.

"There will be a learning curve for the public to understand new tolling rules," McMillan said. "The Express Lanes team will closely monitor lane performance and the public experience, making adjustments as needed."

A public outreach campaign is planned to educate motorists on how to use the express lanes.