Title
Discuss the I-880 Express Lanes
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Transportation Commission
From: Gail Payne, Senior Transportation Coordinator
BACKGROUND
In mid-2020, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) will be opening express lanes on I-880 between Hegenberger Rd. and Dixon Landing Rd. to Fremont. In fall 2019, MTC will update its toll ordinance to include I-880’s operating policies.
The project will convert existing I-880 high occupancy (HOV) lanes to express lanes, which will result in 51 express lane miles between Oakland and Milpitas. The purpose of the project is to create a network of HOV lanes that are well performing to improve person throughput. A total of 70 miles of express lanes currently exist in the region. Another 140 miles are under construction, which includes the I-880 express lane project.
The project web page link is as follows: <https://mtc.ca.gov/our-work/plans-projects/major-regional-projects/mtc-express-lanes/i-880-alameda-county>
To receive I-880 Express Lane notifications, please email info@bayareaexpresslanes.org <mailto:info@bayareaexpresslanes.org>
DISCUSSION
In fall 2019, MTC will update its toll ordinance for the I-880 express lanes, which will include recommended hours of operation and tolling policies. The proposed operating hours are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. The proposed tolling policy will keep the express lanes flowing and increase person throughput. Carpools with three or more people are proposed to travel toll-free, two-person carpools and clean air vehicles are proposed to pay 50 percent tolls, single occupant vehicles have the choice to pay full tolls. Dynamic pricing will allow for a low toll when congestion is light, and a high toll for congested times. The toll revenue will help pay for additional California Highway Patrol enforcement to catch violators, which are as high as 23 percent in the existing HOV lanes along I-880. To receive the toll discount as a carpooler, a FasTrak Flex device is needed. To receive the toll discount with a clean air vehicle, a clean air vehicle tag is needed.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Not applicable.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFRENCE
The proposed Ordinance does not affect the Alameda Municipal Code.
This action is in conformance with the Transportation Choices Plan’s project that focuses on congestion management. Congestion pricing can be used to encourage motorists to use alternative travel modes or to schedule their trips outside of the peak periods of congestion. Congestion pricing is a potential means of funding operational costs such as enhanced enforcement of the high occupancy vehicle lanes.
This action is in conformance with the Transportation Element of the General Plan (2009) as follows:
4.1.6.c Coordinate with the appropriate agencies to utilize emerging technologies and Smart Corridor techniques (e.g. transit-priority systems for traffic signals and real-time information to enable travelers to choose the best routes) for the bridges and tubes.
1. Integrate with existing regional ITS initiatives such as SMARTCORRIDORS.org, 511.org, Integrated Congestion management for the I-880 corridor, etc., to improve capacity at the bridges, tubes and corridors.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
MTC is the lead on environmental review and requirements.
RECOMMENDATION
Discuss the I-880 Express Lanes
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Payne, Senior Transportation Coordinator
Exhibits:
1. Fact Sheet
2. Presentation