No free rides for emergency responders on I-405, 520 bridge

Emergency responders are usually able to use state HOV lanes for free, but that courtesy doesn’t extend to the 520 bridge and it won’t for the upcoming I-405 Express toll lanes.

“There’s a lot of other considerations that need to be made, and at what point do you say ‘only so many people can get in there for free,'” said Patty Rubstello with the state tolling division.

If they are on their way to an emergency, they can use the lanes. They will be tolled, but the departments will be reimbursed for those trips.

Sergeant Stan Seo with King County Sheriff’s Office said the decision to make officers pay the toll was unexpected.

“I think it surprised us, but it’s also understandable considering the state’s current financial situation,” he said. “I also think it makes you question it.”

King County deputies are directed to avoid toll systems. They are not to use SR 520, SR 167 HOT lanes and will be told to avoid the new I-405 toll system.

“We’ll be with everybody else in the mainline avoiding unnecessary charges to the department and to King County taxpayers,” said Sgt. Seo.

Deputies on their way to court, or to visit with victims, or to transfer prisoners will have to sit in traffic or take the long way to their appointments.

The decision was made to exempt only transit, motorcycles, and vehicles meeting the proper HOV requirements.