WSDOT is evaluating many strategies to ensure our highways carry as many vehicles as possible by encouraging motorists to drive during non-peak hours. Among the most promising options the use of tolls based on a variable pricing system. With a variable toll, drivers are charged a higher toll to use a roadway, bridge or tunnel during periods of the heaviest use. The toll rate might change based on the time of day, the number of vehicles on the road, or the speed of traffic. 

Future tolling concepts include:

• System-wide tolling, where fees are based on actual road use throughout the entire system.
• Dynamic pricing, where the price of the toll changes based on the actual traffic levels.
• Segment tolling, where specified lanes, or entirely separate roads, offer faster trips for those paying a toll.
• Cordon tolling, where all drivers are charged a toll when entering an area, such as a downtown district.
• High-Occupancy-Toll (HOT) lanes, where single-occupant vehicles can pay to use High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes when there is available capacity. HOT lanes were implemented on SR 167 between Auburn and Renton in May of 2008.

For future toll projects in Washington, for the most part, tolls will be collected electronically with no need for manual toll booths. Thus, traffic flow is not interrupted for toll collection -- it is all done automatically by setting up pre-paid electronic toll accounts. Those without pre-paid accounts would have their license plate photographed and be sent a bill in the mail (usually for a charge higher than the electronic toll rate). Those failing to pay the bill would be issued a toll infraction.

Learn more about where WSDOT might implement these types of tolling options: 

• SR167 - HOT Lanes Pilot Project
• SR 520 - Bridge Replacement
• Columbia River Crossing
• Eastside Corridor Tolling Study
• Lake Washington Congestion Management

More information on variable toll rates: 

• Future Financing Options to Meet Highway and Transit Needs
• Global List of Toll Facilities
• U.S. Department of Transportation Value Pricing Pilot Project
• How congestion works to reduce traffic flow (pdf 455 kb)