New FasTrak Flex debuts for East Bay commuters

DUBLIN, Calif. (KGO) -- Starting this fall, carpools, vanpools, motorcycles, and eligible clean air vehicles will need a FasTrak Flex toll tag to travel toll-free in the I-580 express lanes.

FasTrak Flex, as it's being called, isn't mandatory yet, but it will be this fall on the new 580 Express lanes.

The idea is to reward carpoolers.

The 580 express lanes are designated lanes in the Tri-Valley corridor through Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore. The 22 miles of express lanes from Hacienda Drive in Pleasanton to Greenville Road in Livermore, and Greenville to San Ramon Road and Foothill Road will be affected.

Drivers will pay according to congestion, which can be anywhere from several dollars to less than $1.

The switchable toll tag will let drivers declare how many people are inside their vehicle, from 1 to 3 people.

Solo drivers can use the express lane by paying a toll with a standard FasTrak tag or with the new FasTrak Flex tag set to position 1.

CHP officers will also be able to track drivers not being honest.

Drivers will be able to purchase the new Fastrak Flex the same way they purchase FasTrak.

You can also add a flex toll tag to your account without trading in your existing tag.

The I-580 express lanes operate during the same hours as HOV carpool lanes. Outside of these hours, the lanes are open to all vehicles at no charge.