Transportation officials ask feds for Peach Pass waivers

ATLANTA - Georgia's State Road and Tollway Authority and the Georgia Department of Transportation have asked the U.S. Department of Transportation for a waiver to allow Peach Pass customers with two occupants to be exempt from paying tolls to use the Interstate 85 express lanes.

The state opened the lanes early this month along a stretch of I-85 in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, giving commuters the option of paying a toll for a quicker trip.

Commuters complained because cars carrying two people can use High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on Atlanta-area freeways. Federal rules require three occupants for the toll to be waived. Gov. Nathan Deal had said a waiver would be requested.

If the federal agency approves, the State Transportation Board will have to change occupancy requirements for the I-85 toll lanes.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/10/242754