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Elected officials and dignitaries celebrated the opening of 22 miles of express toll lanes — with variable pricing in both directions — on U.S. Highway 101 through San Mateo County on Saturday.
The lanes are regulated from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays by dynamic pricing, meaning toll rates will be adjusted based on traffic use. The cost to access the lanes will be displayed on overhead electronic signs.
The tolls are meant to encourage carpooling or transit use as well as to cut travel times and reduce highway congestion.
The $581 million project was built in two phases. The first, from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County line to Whipple Avenue, opened to traffic in February 2022. The second, from Whipple Ave to Interstate Highway 380 in South San Francisco, opened last month.
Confused by the new lane signage on U.S. Highway 101? Here's what you need to know
Solo drivers who want to use the express lane must have a standard FasTrak or a FasTrak Flex toll tag, while carpoolers and motorcycles must have the FasTrak Flex toll tag set in the proper position to travel at a discount.
Caltrans managed the design and construction of the lanes in partnership with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority and the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County. The express lanes are operated by the Bay Area Toll Authority.
