HOT lanes reach $4 toll Monday

For the first time since toll lanes opened on Interstate 85 in October, the toll price reached and exceeded the $4 mark. The toll peaked Monday moing at $4.10.

State road officials said this is a sign of the increased demand.

After initial weeks of sitting empty, the State Road and Tollway Authority said this is what they anticipated.

But now Channel 2 Action News has leaed if too many drivers opt for the HOT lanes, the toll price will spike to drive some of them out.

"That's capitalism at its best. If there's demand people will pay for it," commuter Jaime Kasman said.

Kasman told Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh he'll continue to use his Peach Pass to avoid gridlock even though the toll has reached $4.

Channel 2 Action News first noticed toll prices creeping toward the $4 mark in December.

Kavanaugh asked SRTA officials to talk on camera about the prices increases and fluctuations. They wouldn't do that. They did answer questions through email.

Spokeswoman Malika Wilkins sent a statement, saying, "Our goal is to ensure that motorists who choose to use the Express Lanes experience a more reliable trip for a price they are willing to pay."

That means when speeds in the HPT lanes fall below 45 miles per hour, the intended goal, the toll goes up.

When the HOT lanes first opened, Gov. Nathan Deal requested the toll not exceed $3.05. But spokesman Brian Robinson said via email it was a temporary move.

"We said that prices would go up as demand increased -- otherwise the system would implode on itself," Robinson said.

The state calls it a sign of success. Many commuters aren't sure what has been accomplished.

SRTA said there is no exact dollar amount right now that will achieve exactly what they want in the moings.

SRTA can charge as much as 90 cents per mile for use of the HOT lanes.