OFF THE WIRE
QUEEN: The toll increases effective Thursday on the Bay Area's seven state-owned bridges don't just affect automobiles, as these two commuters' letters attest:
COMMUTER: With the new Bay Bridge tolls, how will motorcycles be affected? Before, it was free for motorcycles to cross the bridge. Do motorcycles now have to pay $2.50? Do they have to have a FasTrak transponder, or do they have to sit in that long line of cars waiting to get to the toll plaza? How do you find out? I just bought a Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic motorcycle and it has been great commuting into San Francisco.
Ron Battles, Tracy
COMMUTER: I ride a motorcycle and I hear I'm going to have to use a FasTrak transponder. I don't have a windshield. Where am I supposed to display the tag?
Robert Floyd, Walnut Creek
QUEEN: Ron and Robert, the Queen salutes you for your creativity in figuring out how to finesse two of the Bay Area's most taxing commute routes. Riding a motorcycle spares the air and saves you a boatload on gas.
Yes, motorcycles will have to pay a toll now, but the good news is that they will pay the reduced rate of $2.50 during carpool hours, though you'll be paying the full toll during non-carpool hours. The $2.50 toll applies on the area's seven state-owned bridges; Golden Gate Bridge carpoolers will pay $3.
As Robert said, you do need a FasTrak tag, Ron; they're available at many Walgreens, Safeway and Costco stores. You also must use a designated carpool lane.
In answer to your question, Robert, keep your toll tag in the breast pocket of your jacket so the FasTrak reader can read it. For details about the new tolls, go to www.mtc.ca.gov/tolls/faq.htm#11.
QUEEN: One more note about the new tolls: Like motorcyclists, carpoolers will need to purchase a transponder and use the carpool lane, and will be charged $2.50. Vehicles that officially qualify as vanpools will cross for free, but they must operate under the provisions of current ridesharing laws, carry more than 10 but not more than 15 people total, and be used primarily for ridesharing.
COMMUTER: My nephew says that if he's in Lane One, the fastest lane on the freeway, and is going the speed limit, he will not change lanes to let a speeder through who's coming up behind him. I contend that even though the speeder is breaking the law, it is incumbent upon the slower driver to get out of the fast lane. I can't find the issue in the DMV booklet. In real life, who's right, my nephew or me?
Beverly, Richmond
QUEEN: You are, Beverly. California law mandates staying to the right. It's not a good idea to hog the passing lane. Plus, you don't want to put yourself in a situation where you might cause a confrontation. Your nephew should move to the right and allow the speeder to continue on his way to a rendezvous with a traffic ticket or worse.
Got questions about your commute? Whether you drive, ride, bike or walk, write the Queen at The Commuter Page, c/o The Times, P.O. Box 8099, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, or ccncommuter@bayareanewsgroup.com. Visit her at ContraCostaTimes.com/queen-of-the-road.
