It was suggested during this last meetup that I post this information here for everyone, since some people don't know about it. I don't know if there's any analogue for norcal, but in the LA/OC area, this will be very useful for a lot of people. If you're not from LA/OC and have an express lane on your local freeway, you should look into this, because it's likely that there is a similar program available - since a CA law was passed saying carpool lanes must allow ZEVs free access even after they get converted to express lanes (as happened with the 110 and 10).
Anyway, If you get a 91 Express Lanes transponder ($40, though the transponder is "free" as those $40 get added to your account, which you can use on other toll roads like the 73), and ask them for a switchable transponder instead of a normal one, you can use it on your Tesla to get free access to the 91/110/10 express lanes, and any future carpool lanes which get converted into express lanes (per CA law). Basically, here's what you do:
Go to this page to get the application for the 91 Express Lane Special Access Program:
http://www.91expresslanes.com/pdf/specapp.pdf
It gives various groups, including zero-emission vehicles, free passes on 91 express lane any time other than Eastbound 4-6pm on weekdays (for which you get 50% off). This is great if you ever use that freeway.
Note that you can ONLY use this transponder in a ZEV. So you can't use it on any of your other cars, only your Tesla, or another EV.
Then, see this page:
Metro ExpressLanes
The relevant portion is here:
Effective February 24, 2014, vehicles displaying a DMV issued White or Green Clean Air Vehicle Decal Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) Decals - High Occupancy Vehicle HOV Lane Usage
will be toll-free. All vehicles, including Clean Air Vehicles, are required to have a FasTrak® transponder while traveling on the ExpressLanes. To ensure toll-free travel, set your transponder to switch position 3 (3+ person carpool) prior to starting your trip. Clean energy vehicles that do not have a Clean Air Vehicle Decal must drive with their transponder set according to their vehicle occupancy.
Basically, what this means is that you can use the switchable transponder you acquired for 91 express lane access on the 110/10 express lanes, and just leave it always switched to 3+, and you shouldn't have to pay any tolls on any of these express lanes. This does NOT work for other toll roads, like the 73, which you'll still get charged for - but you can use the same transponder, and the money will just come out of your account. I have noticed that I did end up with a 50 cent charge on my account at one point from driving on the 110, and I don't know why, so you might want to check it every once in a while just in case (you can check online). But definitely go ahead and do this, it doesn't cost a whole lot and will get you out of traffic even when the carpool sticker can't!
Also, I do not know if you can convert a transponder/account you already have to a Special Access account, but I'm sure you can call them about it and they'll help you out.
Anyway, If you get a 91 Express Lanes transponder ($40, though the transponder is "free" as those $40 get added to your account, which you can use on other toll roads like the 73), and ask them for a switchable transponder instead of a normal one, you can use it on your Tesla to get free access to the 91/110/10 express lanes, and any future carpool lanes which get converted into express lanes (per CA law). Basically, here's what you do:
Go to this page to get the application for the 91 Express Lane Special Access Program:
http://www.91expresslanes.com/pdf/specapp.pdf
It gives various groups, including zero-emission vehicles, free passes on 91 express lane any time other than Eastbound 4-6pm on weekdays (for which you get 50% off). This is great if you ever use that freeway.
Note that you can ONLY use this transponder in a ZEV. So you can't use it on any of your other cars, only your Tesla, or another EV.
Then, see this page:
Metro ExpressLanes
The relevant portion is here:
Effective February 24, 2014, vehicles displaying a DMV issued White or Green Clean Air Vehicle Decal Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) Decals - High Occupancy Vehicle HOV Lane Usage
will be toll-free. All vehicles, including Clean Air Vehicles, are required to have a FasTrak® transponder while traveling on the ExpressLanes. To ensure toll-free travel, set your transponder to switch position 3 (3+ person carpool) prior to starting your trip. Clean energy vehicles that do not have a Clean Air Vehicle Decal must drive with their transponder set according to their vehicle occupancy.
Basically, what this means is that you can use the switchable transponder you acquired for 91 express lane access on the 110/10 express lanes, and just leave it always switched to 3+, and you shouldn't have to pay any tolls on any of these express lanes. This does NOT work for other toll roads, like the 73, which you'll still get charged for - but you can use the same transponder, and the money will just come out of your account. I have noticed that I did end up with a 50 cent charge on my account at one point from driving on the 110, and I don't know why, so you might want to check it every once in a while just in case (you can check online). But definitely go ahead and do this, it doesn't cost a whole lot and will get you out of traffic even when the carpool sticker can't!
Also, I do not know if you can convert a transponder/account you already have to a Special Access account, but I'm sure you can call them about it and they'll help you out.
