GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Metro Atlanta hit a new record toll rate on the I-85 express lanes and it's one that drivers may not be happy about.
Triple Team Traffic's Mark Arum tweeted out the changes as he watched the prices rise Wednesday morning in Gwinnett County.
The price for the express lanes between Old Peachtree Road to Shallowford Road went from $15.50 to $16.50 and $16.90. It topped out at an even $17 by the end of commute.
Now $17! How high will it go? #ATLtraffic #wsbtv pic.twitter.com/ahgYzmJSCH
— Mark Arum (@MarkArum) September 4, 2019
The $17 is what drivers are paying only if they take the full-length trip, which is about 16 miles.
TRENDING STORIES:
- LIVE UPDATES: Dorian strikes Georgia coast; flooding, power outages possible
- These metro Atlanta companies are making big hires in September
- Mother facing several charges after abandoning baby on front porch, police say
"If volume in that lane increases significantly, the toll system will try to put pricing to keep that lane flowing. Our goal is to try to keep that lane moving at an average 45 mph," said Chris Tomlinson, with the SRTA.
Tomlinson said the system on the express lanes recalculates every five minutes, so it's not unusual to see the price increase or decrease depending on traffic.
The previous record, set in August 2018, was $15.50.
If you want to earn computer credits to ride in the express lanes, all you have to do is a have a "peach pass" and a "breeze card" and ride public transportation during peak hours and you'll see those toll credits on your next statement. You can sign up on the Peach Pass website.
Cox Media Group
