The July 11th Seattle Times Traffic Lab announcing “520 bridge tolls to rise even as fewer drivers take the route” is another example of a WSDOT that’s more about raising money than attempting to reduce roadway congestion. The announced 40 cent increase in August and the extended peak hours is this year’s addition to the 15% increase and extended peak toll hours last year.
The WSDOT concedes the 63,000 vehicles who currently use SR520 are reduced because drivers divert to toll-free I-90 or north-end Highway 522. However, the increased revenue the fees generate are more important to the WSDOT than the longer travel times, the increased mileage costs for those commuters along with added congestion for those using the alternate routes.
Those not wanting to pay the SR520 toll are faced with another result of WSDOT’s quest for additional revenue: HOT on two lanes both north and south of SR520. Imposing HOT on an HOV lane to achieve the optimum 2000 vehicles per hour (rather than number of carpoolers) reduces congestion on remaining GP lanes.
The WSDOT’s imposing HOT on a second HOV lane increases congestion on remaining GP lanes and the incentive to pay the fees. They recently increased the peak commute HOT fee to $15. It did little to increase HOV lane velocity, instead reduced those willing to pay to where the increased GP lane congestion slowed to 20 mph during commute for those not wanting to pay SR520 tolls.
The bottom line is the WSDOT is more about increasing funding than reducing congestion. Their quest for additional funds exacerbates the reality that east side commuters wanting to go into Seattle faced with two choices. Pay the increased SR520 tolls or accept the long travel times to get to the alternatives.
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