The graphic below shows example costs anticipated for express lane trips on U.S. 69 at the time of opening. For example, if someone with a KTAG drives the entire length of the corridor northbound during the morning rush hour, that trip could cost $1.30. If someone only drives a portion of the corridor, say from 151st Street to 119th Street, that partial-length trip could cost $0.50.

During off-peak times – mid-day, nighttime and weekends – toll rates go down because fewer vehicles are using the highway. The rates drop to approximately $0.35 for a partial trip and $0.65 for a full-length trip.

In the southbound direction during afternoon rush hour, the rates increase again as traffic increases. The rates are slightly higher in the afternoon because there is more congestion during the afternoon than in the morning rush hour.

U.S. 69 express lane toll rates also vary depending on the number of axles a vehicle has.

Express lane drivers with a KTAG and a two-axle vehicle will always pay the rate they see on the overhead signs at the express lane entry points. Drivers without a KTAG will pay 2x the rate on the sign.

Vehicles with more than two axles will also pay a higher toll. The chart below shows the example toll rate for two- to nine-axle vehicles traveling the corridor during mid-day, at night or on the weekend:

The toll rate for vehicles with more than two axles is calculated with (n-1)*(two-axle toll rate), where n=number of axles.

The objective of express lanes is to manage congestion on U.S. 69. To achieve that goal, toll rates must be carefully balanced with traffic levels. If tolls are priced too high or too low, the roadway will not operate as desired. If tolls are set too high – higher than drivers are willing to pay – then very few will use the express lanes. As shown in the top line of the graphic below, the express lane is nearly empty, and the general-purpose lanes become congested.

If the tolls are set too low, as shown in the middle graphic, too many drivers will use the express lane and all lanes will become congested. Performance is the same as it would be with one additional general-purpose (toll-free) lane on U.S. 69.

When pricing is set correctly, the right number of drivers use the express lanes. Traffic is removed from the toll-free, general-purpose lanes, and the express lanes remain free flowing. image

Users Have Choices!

Looking southbound, one of the most frequent trips users make is from the north end of the corridor – coming from downtown, for example – to the exit at 135th Street. During the afternoon rush hour, that trip could cost $1.00. But outside the peak period – on a weekend, when the same driver is rushing to get to the soccer park for a game, for instance – that trip could cost $0.35.