WTOP reports, “Toll rates on the 95 and 495 express lanes have spiked in recent weeks with some tolls costing drivers as much as $30 to travel just 14 miles.” Transurban spokesman Mike McGurk — who acknowledges, “Last couple weeks have been challenging, especially on 495 South” — lists some possible reasons for the increases: a holiday season traffic spike; Metro SafeTrack operations pushing commuters into cars; and darkness during peak use periods, which tends to reduce traffic speeds.
Earlier this week, The Washington Post’s Dr. Gridlock addressed commuters’ concerns about the “surging tolls” on 495 Express. He passed along some tips for cost-conscious motorists, and explained why Transurban wants to help them save money.