Interstate 66 (I-66), a major east-west U.S roadway, now has an aggregate density toll during rush hours on weekdays. The new development on this popular artery leading to Washington, D.C. has caused commuters to reassess their travel plans. An E-ZPass is required to pay for the toll.

The new toll seeks to curb traffic congestion from Virginia’s suburbs towards the city. The toll becomes active inside the beltway heading east from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and heading west from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There is an exception to the toll for those who ride with two or more people in their car as well as for motorbikes. For High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) an E-ZPass flex when switched to HOV allows commuters to drive for free.

The toll has commuters seeking new transport options, such as Route 50, Route 123, and the Virginia State Route 267 (the Dulles Toll Road) to get to D.C.

Considering this change, Gourmet Foods teacher Rachel VanPelt, reports that this change causes her to rethink her transportation options in the metro area.

“I’ll definitely consider Uber from now on to get to D.C. It will still cost high, but at that point, I may as well pay somebody to drive me instead of doing it myself,” VanPelt said.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) champions this toll as an opportunity to encourage carpooling and public transportation all while decreasing traffic on Interstate 66.

The money from the toll will be used to finance further transit projects such as park-and-ride, bus routes, and bike paths. It will also be used to fund efforts to catch those cheating the toll.

“When I’m in a rush or need to move quickly between Arlington and Vienna, I’m glad I have the option to take the toll road, and I don’t mind paying the toll the because there’s an imperative and because the money goes right back into the budget to improve transport,” Madison parent Cynthia Saddy said.