Frequently Asked Questions
- What construction is happening on I-85?
- What are the I-85 Express Lanes?
- What is Peach Pass?
- Who needs to register for a Peach Pass?
- How do I get a Peach Pass?
- Will my Peach Pass work on both the I-85 Express Lanes and GA 400 toll road?
- Will my Cruise Card work on both the I-85 Express Lanes and GA 400 toll road?
- What will the average price be to use the I-85 Express Lanes?
- What are the transit benefits of the project?
- Who do I contact with questions about the Peach Pass or I-85 Express Lanes?
1. What construction is happening on I-85?
Construction has begun to convert the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to Express Lanes. The construction zone includes portions of approximately 16 miles of I-85. Construction of the Express Lanes includes the installation of tolling technology, guard rails, signs, and sign structures. In order to limit disruptions on I-85, lane closures will mostly occur overnight with some lane closures occurring in both the northbound and southbound directions. The Express Lanes are scheduled to open on October 1, 2011. Please visit the GDOT website for more information on I-85 construction (http://www.dot.ga.gov/I85expresslanes).
2. What are the I-85 Express Lanes?
The I-85 Express Lanes are High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes that allow registered transit, three or more person carpools, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) with the proper AFV license plate (does not include hybrid vehicles) to use the lanes toll-free. Vehicles with fewer than three occupants, including solo drivers, will be able to choose whether to use the general purpose lanes or pay for a more reliable trip in the Express Lanes. Vehicles with 2+ axle and/or 6+ wheels will not be allowed in the Express Lanes as is the case today. Based on the number of vehicles using the Express Lanes, tolls will vary to keep the lanes free-flowing, even during the height of rush hour.
3. What is Peach Pass?
Peach Pass is a small, thin Electronic Tolling Collection device similar to the GA Cruise Card that adheres to a vehicle’s windshield or front bumper. The Peach Pass is connected to an account established with the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) and automatically deducts proper tolls when used on the I-85 Express Lanes. It is a safe, secure, and convenient option that eliminates the need to stop at a tollbooth.
4. Who needs to register for a Peach Pass?
All I-85 Express Lane users will need to register their vehicle(s), even ones that will be exempt from tolls. Exempt vehicles include registered:
- Transit vehicles
- Carpools with three or more occupants
- Motorcycles
- Emergency vehicles
- Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) with the proper AFV license plate (does not include hybrid vehicles)
I-85 Express Lane users will need to visit this website or call the Peach Pass Customer Service Center at 1-855-PCH-PASS (724-7277) beginning in Spring 2011 to register their vehicle(s). Each vehicle in a household must be registered for a separate Peach Pass, although all household transponders can be listed on one account. Customers will also need to determine if their vehicle will be tolled for driving in the Express Lanes (i.e., a vehicle with less than three occupants) or free (see toll-exempt list above). Peach customers who are exempt from tolls will not be billed when using the Express Lanes. After an account is established, customers will receive a Peach Pass and vehicle mounting instructions. Peach Pass customers will be able to securely manage their accounts and update their contact and payment information online or at the Peach Pass Customer Service Center.
5. How do I get a Peach Pass?
Starting in Spring 2011, customers will be able to set up Peach Pass accounts and receive Peach Pass transponders by visiting this website or contacting the Peach Pass Customer Service Center at 1-855-PCH-PASS (724-7277). Peach Pass transponders can be used on the I-85 Express Lanes after they open on October 1.
6. Will my Peach Pass work on both the I-85 Express Lanes and GA 400 toll road?
Yes. Peach Pass will work on the I-85 Express Lanes and the GA 400 toll road.
7. Will my Cruise Card work on both the I-85 Express Lanes and GA 400 toll road?
Yes, your GA Cruise Card will work on the I-85 Express Lanes; however, prior to using the I-85 Express Lane, you will need to sign a new User Agreement online, which will provide details on the toll payment differences for I-85 Express Lanes and the GA 400 toll road. User Agreement information will be sent to existing Cruise Card customers prior to the lanes opening.
8. What will the average price be to use the I-85 Express Lanes?
This average price will be determined by how many people want to use the Express Lanes. Based on a traffic study conducted to estimate user demand, an average trip of between six and seven miles would cost in the range of $0.60 to $6.00 depending on congestion. It is estimated that more than 90 percent of customers will pay less than $5.00 for their Express Lane trip. An estimated 25 percent of users will be in a registered exempt vehicle and will not be charged to use the Express Lanes. Toll exempt vehicles include registered:
- Transit vehicles
- Carpools with three or more occupants
- Motorcycles
- Emergency vehicles
- Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) with the proper AFV license plate (does not include hybrid vehicles)
9. What are the transit benefits of the project?
Approximately $122 million (67 percent of the total project costs) will be targeted at transit investments on the I-85 corridor and across the Atlanta metropolitan area, including 11 new or expanded park and rides, 82 new passenger coach buses, and expanded GRTA Xpress bus services. Transit riders will also experience more reliable trip times, because the Express Lanes will be managed to provide traffic that is free-flowing.
10. Who do I contact with questions about the Peach Pass or I-85 Express Lanes?
Questions and/or comments can be submitted by completing the electronic comment submission form.
You can call the Peach Pass Customer Service Center at 1-855-PCH-PASS (724-7277) or visit one of our Peach Pass Customer Service Centers:
•State Road and Tollway Authority, 47 Trinity Ave. SW, Ground Floor, Atlanta, GA 30334
•Department of Driver Services, 2211 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, GA 30071
•Department of Driver Services, 310 Hurricane Shoals Road, NE, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
