Toll rates for the first segment of the InterCounty Connector will cost drivers $1.45 during the busiest rushes, $1.15 during the lulls and 60 cents overnight, the Maryland Transportation Authority said. Those are the costs for drivers with E-Z Passes. All others will have to pay $3 on top of the tolls since the highway that will eventually connect Interstate 270 in Montgomery County and Interstate 95 in Prince George's County will not have any actual toll booths. All fares will be collected electronically through overhead sensors, and drivers without transponders will be mailed their bills.
Trucks also will have to pay more: up to $10.60 for peak travel, even with an E-ZPass. Those costs came in at the lower end of the scale approved last year, after criticism from drivers and Montgomery County Council members as being too expensive.
The rates could change once vehicles start hitting the road, though. The cashless tolling system with variable rates is supposed to help control traffic, meaning that if cars start backing up, the rates would rise at those times to give drivers an incentive to spread out their trips.
The peak periods will run from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Much of the rest of the day would be charged at off-peak rates, though overnight hours from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. will be cheaper. Those times also could change, though, within an hour. The rates themselves will be reviewed periodically, with the transportation authority tentatively planning for quarterly reviews. The MDTA said it will give at least 10 days' notice of any changes. Those times also could change, though, within an hour. The rates themselves will be reviewed periodically, with the transportation authority tentatively planning for quarterly reviews. The MDTA said it will give at least 10 days' notice of any changes. SOURCE: Washington Examiner
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