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mopac Express lanes: bringing reliability to your unpredictable commute
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Central Texas has waited patiently for relief on MoPac, and opening day for the northbound, north end Express Lane is finally here! This past Saturday, the lane opened to traffic between RM 2222 and Parmer Lane, and drivers began taking advantage of the long- awaited option for a reliable route to their destination. As more travelers begin using the lane and become accustomed to the new configuration on MoPac, we know you have questions—after all, this is the first-of-its-kind congestion management tool to be introduced to Austin commuters. And because the roadway is not yet in the final configuration with all four segments open, the traveling public will need time to adjust to the new traffic pattern and adapt their habits. However, this segment opening is a major step forward in achieving greater mobility and more reliable travel times on MoPac.
We know you’re wondering when and how to access the Express Lane, how much it will cost, and more. Take a look at some of our frequently asked questions and satisfy your curiosity on all things MoPac:
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Frequently asked questions
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WHAT IS AN EXPRSS LANE?
Express Lanes are special lanes that use variable tolling. The goal is to prevent congestion by managing the number of vehicles using the lane. They are not meant for everyday use, but for those special occasions when you can’t afford to be late.
WHAT IS VARIABLE TOLLING?
Variable tolling is a new technology that ensures drivers can get where they’re going without delay. Variable tolls leverage supply and demand principles to manage the number of vehicles entering the lanes at any given time. Sensors monitor traffic and when it increases, so does the toll. The primary goal is to keep the Express Lane free-flowing as much as possible. When traffic is light, the toll decreases to encourage more use.
Changeable electronic signs display the current rates in real time, so drivers know the price before deciding whether to enter the lanes. Once you are in the lane, the price you saw on the sign is the price you will pay, even if the price changes while you are traveling in the lanes. |
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VARIABLE TOLLING MADE EASY
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Click here for a short video on how variable tolling works
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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DRIVE IN THE EXPRESS LANE?
During periods of low traffic, the toll remains relatively low, starting at around $0.25, to encourage use. As traffic increases, the rate adjusts to maximize the number of vehicles that can be carried in the Express Lane at a target speed of 45 mph for a reliable, free-flowing trip. During peak traffic, the toll rate is set high enough to protect the capacity in the Express Lane and provide a reliable trip for users.
WHERE DO I GET ON AND OFF?
Half a mile before the Express Lane entrance, signs indicate the current toll, giving drivers ample time to enter the Express Lane. Currently, drivers can access the northbound Express Lane north of RM 2222. When the full project opens, drivers will also have the option to gain northbound access at Cesar Chavez, while southbound access will be available at Parmer Lane and north of RM 2222
CAN I SEE A MAP?
Click here to for a project map.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE OPERATIONS AND ADJUST THE TOLL RATE?
Seventeen high definition cameras and vehicle detectors spaced ½ mile apart along the corridor are able to track operations on MoPac. Algorithms to monitor traffic and adjust pricing operate under the oversight of officials out of our state-of-the art Traffic Management Center (TMC). The TMC is the heart of our intelligent transportation system. It affords us the ability to monitor our facilities and coordinate incident management, and efficiently address interruptions to traffic flow such as debris in the roadway.
HOW DOES THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CENTER WORK?
Operators and an algorithm monitor traffic levels in the Express Lane so that the variable-priced toll rates can be adjusted as needed to ensure they are having the desired effect on traffic volumes. During periods of low traffic, the toll will remain relatively low, increasing with traffic volume.
If the toll rate is too high and the Express Lane is not being utilized, operators in the TMC will receive information from the cameras and vehicles detectors so that the toll can be manually lowered. Similarly, if too many cars are entering the Express Lane, an algorithm will increase the toll to discourage too many drivers from entering. This approach is designed to ensure that people are not paying to sit in traffic.
IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT IN THE EXPRESS LANE, COULD THE CONGESTION DRIVE UP THE TOLL RATE?
Not to worry. We have checks and balances in place to protect against that. If an incident occurs, the detection devices trigger an alarm. Operators use the cameras to zoom in, assess the situation, and manually lock in the toll rate so it doesn’t increase. To ensure smooth operations, Mobility Authority staff are stationed at the TMC during peak times, and technical staff are onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to manage any issues that arise. The whole operation can also be controlled remotely as well.
WILL I KNOW THE PRICE OF THE TOLL BEFORE I ENTER THE LANE?
Yes. The price is posted on electronic message boards and visible to drivers as they approach the entrance to the lane so they can decide whether or not their trip is worth that amount. And if the price increases while a driver is already in the lane, they will still pay the price that was posted when they initially entered.
HOW DO I PAY MY TOLLS ON MOPAC?
Toll payment on MoPac is electronic, meaning drivers do not have to stop—or even slow down, to pay tolls. Drivers with an electronic toll tag -- either a TxTag, an EZ-Tag or a TollTag -- have their tolls automatically deducted from their tag account, while those without a tag receive a bill in the mail through the Pay By Mail program. The price posted on the electronic signs will be the tag rates, Pay By Mail rates are 33% higher. Drivers with a TxTag or any electronic toll tag save 25% on their tolls. Click here for a fact sheet on paying tolls in Texas.
HOW SOON WILL I RECEIVE MY TOLL BILL?
To ensure accurate charges, the payment processing for MoPac toll transactions  will be delayed so that the trips can be billed accurately. Any necessary price adjustments will be made during this 72-hour delay period to ensure that drivers are not overcharged when they receive their bill. In addition, cameras will capture photos of the Express Lane pricing signs with time and date stamps at every transaction.
WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER SEGMENTS OF THE MOPAC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT?
We are collaborating with the contractor on implementation of a recovery schedule and working diligently to complete the project as soon as possible. We appreciate the patience of the travelling public as we work to bring more reliability to this infamously congested corridor.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Visit the MoPac Express website for more information: |
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