SEPTEMBER 2010 Toll rates under consideration Many people have been asking what the toll rates will be to cross the SR 520 bridge when tolling begins next spring. Here's the scoop on toll rates and how you can weigh in. Toll rates will be determined this fall by the Washington State Transportation Commission. The Commission is studying two toll rate options: a lower toll rate for vehicles with Good to Go! and a higher rate for vehicles that receive a bill and pay-by-mail. The Commission will also set toll rates that vary by time of day and on weekends to encourage driving during less-congested periods. For example, rates during weekday morning and afternoon peak periods will be higher than during off-peak hours and weekends. The Commission is following a process outlined in the Washington Administrative Code that will include public hearings later this year that will be well-publicized in advance. Final toll rate decisions are expected to be made by early next year. You can review Commission meeting agendas and minutes and submit your comments about toll rates at www.wstc.wa.gov. Smarter Highway signs going operational Have you noticed the new digital sign boards installed above SR 520? These are Smarter Highways signs. Since we began testing them earlier this month, the new signs have displayed random dots, asterisks and other cryptic test messages. The signs on northbound I-5 near Boeing Field went live in August and the ones on SR 520 will be fully operational later this fall. They provide drivers with real-time traffic information about what's happening on the road ahead. The signs may display different speed limits, based on traffic conditions ahead. This information provides drivers with real-time traffic information that will keep traffic moving and help reduce the number of rear-end collisions that often happen when drivers suddenly find themselves in slowing traffic. It's all part of WSDOT's plan to reduce congestion in the 520 corridor. For more information, visit www.smarterhighways.com. In this issue >> Toll rates under consideration >> Smarter Highway signs going operational >> Commonly asked question: Do out of state drivers have to pay tolls? >> Help us get the word out Commonly asked question: Do out-of-state drivers have to pay tolls? The quick answer is "yes." But visitors don't need to set up a Good To Go! account. Clear signage within the corridor will let drivers know how they can pay their toll by mail. WSDOT has reciprocal relationships with other states to identify the owners of out-of-state vehicles so that toll bills can be sent. Any drivers without an account can call the customer service center or go online prior to, or immediately after, their trip to pay a toll. Otherwise, drivers will wait to receive their bill with a higher toll rate in the mail. Regarding rental cars, WSDOT is working with rental car agencies to determine how each company wants to set up their Good To Go! accounts. Help us get the word out >> Follow us on Twitter and help spread the word by re-tweeting to your followers. >> Join our Facebook page and invite your friends to join. >> View and share photos on Flickr. Comments? Questions? We'd love to hear from you. Visit GoodToGo520.org for information. Send us an e-mail or leave us a message at: 1-888-G2G-WSDOT (1-888-424-9736). A customer service representative will return your call as soon as possible.