I'm a new HOV sticker user in the Bay Area and have noticed that, even though I am always alone in the car, I'm not being charged bridge tolls from Fastrak. My understanding is that with my HOV sticker I am allowed to drive in the carpool lane, even at the toll plazas, but that I will nevertheless be charged tolls. Do I have something wrong here? Am I supposed to change lanes at the toll plazas to the regular Fastrak lanes? I hope not. Does anyone else have this "problem"?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priuzinho feliz @ Nov 4 2006, 01:55 PM) [snapback]343827[/snapback]</div> When you have the HOV sticker, during commute hours you use the commute lane. You should have received a special Fastrak responder for your HOV car sticker. That lets Fastrak know that you are to be charged for the toll. You do not get to cross for free; you have to pay the toll. The only benefit is using the lane as if you had two people in the car. Trust me, correct this if you have not done so already. The last thing you want is CHP banging you for toll evasion.
Yes, you do get charged for tolls with your special transponder when you are the only driver. However, if you have the correct number of people in the car to be a carpool, then you have to put the transponder in its bag so you DON'T get charged for the toll. Having the stickers on your car lets you take advantage of the faster lanes getting to the bridges while you're alone and does not let you get by without paying. :-(
Thanks for the replies. I'm just confused because when I look at my account on line with fastrak, I am -not- being charged. It's not that I'm trying to get away without paying - I have the hybrid transponder attached to my windshield. And it definitely charges me when I go in late to work (i.e. not during carpool lane hours), but so far no charges appear for the days I've gone through at peak hours. Maybe it just takes longer for these to show up on my statement? I don't want to get called out for toll evasion! But I don't want to have to switch lanes at the plazas either. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mcbrunnhilde @ Nov 4 2006, 04:11 PM) [snapback]343849[/snapback]</div>
Fear not. While we are *supposed* to be charged, it doesn't always happen. Nothing you can do about it, as you're doing everything correctly. If they decide not to charge, then it is just a bonus until the system is fixed. I have found the same thing. In five bridge crossings, I've only been charged once.
