CHOKEPOINTS

It’s ‘mission critical’ for Puget Sound drivers to understand Flex Pass

Mar 24, 2015, 7:38 AM | Updated: 10:16 am

The pass sticks to a windshield with small Velcro tabs and can be switched for use in HOV and toll ...

The pass sticks to a windshield with small Velcro tabs and can be switched for use in HOV and toll lanes on the fly. (Chris Sullivan/KIRO Radio)

(Chris Sullivan/KIRO Radio)

It’s clunky and will take some getting used to, but the state believes drivers will easily adapt to the new Good To Go “Flex Pass” that will be required to get a free ride in the new Express Toll Lanes on I-405.

Related: State has two years to make I-405 tolls work

The pass sticks to a windshield with small Velcro tabs. The one issue: reaching it to flip between HOV to toll mode while driving. That might be just as distracting as eating a sandwich or making a call.

State Tolling Director Craig Stone believes drivers can handle it.

“They’ll be able to switch it between HOV mode and toll mode. It’s pretty intuitive,” Stone said. “I think our drivers can get it.”

Drivers will need a Flex Pass to ride in the HOV lane for free once the lanes open later this year. The passes went on sale Monday, and Stone says drivers need to start getting up to speed on how this is going to work.

“It’s mission critical for us to make sure people really understand how the express toll lanes will work – get ready for them – so in the fall when they open up they will not be caught by surprise,” Stone said.

The passes cost $15, but the state is giving them away for free, if drivers sign up with “ride-share” and fill out an application. It will work on every toll road.

Ten of Puget Sound’s 14 HOV systems are failing and nowhere near meeting the goal of 45 miles an hour on average. That’s why the state is going to the express tolling system.

“On 405 here we actually have bus drivers getting out of the HOV lane to go into the regular lanes, because it’s faster for them to get there. That system is broken.

And don’t forget, the HOV requirement has changed. Drivers need three people in the car to ride these lanes for free during peak hours.

Chokepoints

I-5 overpass 145th seattle...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: I-5 overpass at 145th in Seattle to close

The North 145th Street overpass of I-5, right there at the new light rail station, is about to close for seven months.

1 hour ago

Photo: WSDOT crews pump concrete at new Veterans Drive tunnel....

Nate Connors

Late night I-5 closures coming up this week as WSDOT works on new tunnel

Contractors WSDOT are prepping for work on the new Veterans Drive Tunnel beneath I-5, adjacent to State Route 516.

15 hours ago

Image: A Pierce Transit Stream Bus can be seen in Pierce County....

Micki Gamez

South Sound travelers may opt for transit after major service change

It's been seven years since Pierce Transit announced a major service change. The change means more access to Tacoma and the region.

2 days ago

headphones windshield obstructions...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Driving with headphones, windshield obstructions in Washington

It's another episode of "rules of the road," I'm tackling two driving questions: Using headphones or windshield obstructions while driving.

2 days ago

four-way stops...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Why do so many people get freaked out at four-way stops?

There is no mystery to how four-way stops work, so why do so many people mess up this simple maneuver?

7 days ago

There's a right way and a wrong way to turn into traffic with a bus lane. (Graphic: Bill Kaczaraba,...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Sweeping bus-only lanes, what’s the right move?

I received feedback from my story on lane sweeping last week. But what happens when you are turning and the closest lane is restricted?

9 days ago

It’s ‘mission critical’ for Puget Sound drivers to understand Flex Pass