ORLANDO, Fla. – Dynamic tolling is now a part of daily life for drivers on the I-4 express lanes.
The changes, which began on Monday, mean that toll prices fluctuate based on traffic congestion. Three dollars is the maximum you could potentially pay per toll, at least right now. Drivers traveling through all the westbound tolls at the cap would pay $18, while those on the eastbound tolls would pay $21.
The introduction of dynamic tolling has sparked mixed reactions among drivers.
“They should not be doing it. It’s too expensive already,” Ed Tagg said.
Another driver compared the tolls to a mortgage payment.
“They’re ridiculous. Just because you’re trying to get to a place faster. It’s not needed,” Sherry Leonhardt said.
Dynamic tolling adjusts prices based on the number of cars in the express lane, a system the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) says is designed to manage congestion and maintain reliable travel times. Some drivers are deterred by higher prices, opting for alternative routes.
“Because I can’t afford it,” Teresa Letcher said.
However, others find the tolls worthwhile.
“Time is money. You know, gas is money,” one driver noted. “[My car] is not very good on gas mileage, and at $3.50 a gallon, if I’m sitting there for a half hour, frustrated, blood pressure goes up, it’s worth it for me to jump on it.”
While the tolls are capped at $3 per segment, FDOT indicates that tolls aren’t expected to rise significantly now that dynamic tolling is in place.
Drivers should anticipate increases in the busiest segments near downtown during weekday morning and afternoon commutes. If there is a slowdown in the express lanes and drivers are going below 40 miles per hour, Florida statute mandates a minimum express lane toll.
“If it gets too stupid [expensive], you make the decision, and you make other arrangements. But, as of right now, the jury’s still out. I’m still on it,” a driver said.
Although the current cap is $3, it’s unknown if it could increase in the future. Other cities, like Miami, have raised their dynamic tolling caps over the years. News 6 is working to get that information from FDOT to keep drivers informed about what to expect on the express lanes.
For more information on how dynamic tolling works, click here.
