RV driver gets charged $500 RT for using VA express lanes

[Anonymous]

What do you think of this story?

On the one hand, I think the people running the express lanes in VA are a bunch of pirates and I’d hate to take their side in anything.

On the other hand if I had an RV I wouldn’t take it on the express lane unless I knew exactly how much it cost (and those things can slow down traffic) so I don’t have much sympathy for them either.

https://apple.news/AeV1gUAMJRtSHtpwnEzvtSg

[Anonymous]

You've got 6 kids? You can pay the fine. Rules apply to everyone.

[Anonymous]

It's not a fine, it's the toll. More precisely, the total of tolls in both directions. And the original article in WaPo says he paid 6 1/2 times what his wife paid for a minivan, so the minivan cost $87 in tolls roundtrip. To be clear, the toll lanes don't go all the way to Front Royal, just to Haymarket from the beltway. I make a monthly trip where I could use I-66 Outside the Beltway Express, but I've given up on it, because I have no idea what it'll cost on any given trip. Read the original WaPo article for more details.

[Anonymous]

I stopped when I read that they have six kids, and divided them up so that it was him plus five in the RV and her plus one in the minivan, so they wound up paying tolls on both vehicles.

Anyone with an ounce of intelligence would have put one more kid in the minivan to meet the HOV3 requirement and travel for free.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I could not read story via link.

Did the RV driver enter 66 west toll lanes at 495? That signage is terrible. One can easily get on the toll lanes without even knowing.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't get on a toll road without knowing how much it costs. You can easily find that information on their website. If you blithely get on and hope it won't be that much, you'll be disappointed. Not sympathetic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I could not read story via link.

Did the RV driver enter 66 west toll lanes at 495? That signage is terrible. One can easily get on the toll lanes without even knowing.

I just read story elsewhere.

Driver knew what he did and expected tolls. Just didn’t expect tolls to be that high. I don’t think he’s completely without blame but those ez pass lane prices aren’t always clear plus…his toll expense was ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't get on a toll road without knowing how much it costs. You can easily find that information on their website.

Not always. They have fluid pricing. It can change at any moment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stopped when I read that they have six kids, and divided them up so that it was him plus five in the RV and her plus one in the minivan, so they wound up paying tolls on both vehicles.

Anyone with an ounce of intelligence would have put one more kid in the minivan to meet the HOV3 requirement and travel for free.

+1
The stupidity and entitlement is mind boggling

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't get on a toll road without knowing how much it costs. You can easily find that information on their website.

Not always. They have fluid pricing. It can change at any moment.

You can find the multiplier easily on their website; that doesn't change. The fluid pricing is posted before you get in the lanes. If he'd chosen he'd have known how much it cost. There is no excuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't get on a toll road without knowing how much it costs. You can easily find that information on their website.

Not always. They have fluid pricing. It can change at any moment.

They give real time estimates.

[Anonymous]

Are there 8 seat belts in an RV?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't get on a toll road without knowing how much it costs. You can easily find that information on their website. If you blithely get on and hope it won't be that much, you'll be disappointed. Not sympathetic.

Their website gives an estimated toll with the caveat "Toll estimations are based on standard vehicle pricing, and historical averages. Actual tolls charged may vary depending on traffic congestion and the classification of the vehicle.". So, no, the website doesn't really help. Some of you are missing the point. This isn't just about this particular individual's bill (and in fact he accepts that the toll he was charged is probably correct), it's about the fact that anyone could be caught by surprise on this toll road.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't get on a toll road without knowing how much it costs. You can easily find that information on their website. If you blithely get on and hope it won't be that much, you'll be disappointed. Not sympathetic.

Their website gives an estimated toll with the caveat "Toll estimations are based on standard vehicle pricing, and historical averages. Actual tolls charged may vary depending on traffic congestion and the classification of the vehicle.". So, no, the website doesn't really help. Some of you are missing the point. This isn't just about this particular individual's bill (and in fact he accepts that the toll he was charged is probably correct), it's about the fact that anyone could be caught by surprise on this toll road.

The tolls are displayed on the signs. Hard to not know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't get on a toll road without knowing how much it costs. You can easily find that information on their website. If you blithely get on and hope it won't be that much, you'll be disappointed. Not sympathetic.

Their website gives an estimated toll with the caveat "Toll estimations are based on standard vehicle pricing, and historical averages. Actual tolls charged may vary depending on traffic congestion and the classification of the vehicle.". So, no, the website doesn't really help. Some of you are missing the point. This isn't just about this particular individual's bill (and in fact he accepts that the toll he was charged is probably correct), it's about the fact that anyone could be caught by surprise on this toll road.

Of course the website helps. it clearly tells you that the multiplier for an RV is 6X at non-peak and 8X at off peak: https://ride66express.com/pricing/vehicle-classification/ The toll is posted by segment and from there it's basic math. This is like not asking what the market price is and then complaining when its more than you expected. If you agree to pay something without knowing what the amount is, then you might get screwed.