CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Motorists will have the chance to drive on the Interstate 77 express lanes for free when they open, but it will come with some effort.
If drivers miss a step to take the free ride, it could cost them.
“I think it’s going to be really hard to ride in that free HOV lane,” nearby resident Kim Baker said.
Drivers can use express lanes for free as long as there are at least three people in the car at the time.
Some may find the process complicated beyond that requirement.
In order for a trip to be free, motorists will have to buy the NC Quick Pass E-ZPass Flex transponder, which costs $16.49 plus tax.
A switch on the transponder needs to be on to declare its HOV status.
If that doesn’t happen before entering the express lanes, the driver will have to pay a toll.
“If you have a Quick Pass transponder and do not declare or have a transponder, which allows you to declare using that device, then you will be charged the toll rate,” said Angela Queenland, manager of the customer service department for the Turnpike Authority. “The toll rate will be 35 percent less than the bill by-mail rate.”
If drivers don’t have a transponder with a switch, they can use any NC Quick Pass transponder and download the NC Quick Pass app and create a profile, after which they will get a free sticker to put on their car.
“For any other transponder that is used with the app, there is a 15-minute delay, which actually allows (it) to communicate with the roadside system to state that that customer is HOV status,” Queenland said.
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People possibly behind the wheel will get charged if they don’t press a button on the app that shows they will be traveling in the express lanes 15 minutes beforehand.
“I’m not so sure that that’s really something people are going to think about doing,” Baker told Channel 9.
A spokesperson said customer service reps will be available to answer any questions since it will be a new concept for many drivers.
The entire toll-lane project isn't expected to be complete until the end of October.
Earlier this month, crews tested the northern section between Hambright Road in Huntersville and Exit 36 in Mooresville, which is expected to be the first section to open.
It’s not clear when that will happen.
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