With the new I-680 Express Lane set to open on Monday, September 20, 2010, drivers who sign up for a FasTrak® account now will receive a $10 toll credit to use on the new lane. The $10 toll credit is being offered because many regular commuters on I-680 do not have FasTrak accounts and, therefore, would not be able to use the new Express Lane.

The I-680 Express Lane is Northern California’s first Express Lane and totals 14 miles on Interstate 680 going southbound from Pleasanton to Milpitas. It will operate Mondays through Fridays from 5AM to 8PM. Unlike regular carpool lanes in the Bay Area, the Express Lane will be separated from general purpose lanes by triple solid striping to help reduce illegal entry. Solo motorists with a FasTrak transponder can enter the Express Lane at one of three designated places. An overhead electronic sign will display the current toll being assessed. Toll costs will vary based on real-time traffic levels on the Express Lane to ensure that traffic in the lane flows smoothly. Carpools, transit vehicles, motorcycles, and hybrid vehicles with a valid sticker may take advantage of the Express Lane at no cost for now.

Anyone who opens a FasTrak account between August 1 and October 20 will receive a $10 credit for use on the new I-680 Express Lane. Drivers can sign up for FasTrak by calling 511 and saying “FasTrak” or by visiting www.511.org. FasTrak transponders are also available at participating Costco, Safeway, and Walgreens stores. The credit will be applied to the posted toll amount each time the driver uses the Express Lane until the $10 credit is exhausted. Unused credits will expire on November 20. Credits do not apply to bridge tolls.

More information about the express lane and this special promotion can be found on the I-680 Express Lane official website. Readers can also stay current with the latest from the I-680 Express Lane by liking the official Alameda County Express Lanes page on Facebook.

After all, the wool still comes from the sheep’s back—in the long run, whatever you’re given, you already paid for it.”

— A translation of the Chinese proverb 羊毛出在羊身上