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Yup,... Another I-405 Message from WSDOT

Discussion in 'Westside' started by k4xbeemer, Jul 2, 2015.

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  1. Jul 2, 2015 #1
    k4xbeemer

    k4xbeemer

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    WSDOT is testing a way to have a GTG sticker for motorcycles with having to open a fucking account.

    http://www.bothell-reporter.com/news/311278351.html

    The following is a release from the Washington State Department of Transportation:
    As Interstate 405 express toll lanes get ready to open in early fall, the Washington State Department of Transportation is testing ways for motorcyclists to use a motorcycle pass without activating a pre-paid Good to Go! account.
    WSDOT has heard concerns from motorcyclists who don’t want to open a pre-paid Good To Go! account simply to activate the pass needed to avoid paying a toll on the I-405 express lane tolls.
    “Many motorcycle drivers already have a pass that is active on a Good To Go! account because they use one of our other toll facilities, but we’ve heard from other motorcycle owners who only drive I-405 and don’t cross the SR 520 or the Tacoma Narrows bridges,” said Toll Operations Director Patty Rubstello. “So we’re testing a solution that would require a Good To Go! motorcycle pass be installed to drive toll-free on the I-405 express toll lanes, but doesn’t require an account.”
    The Washington State Transportation Commission determined motorcycles are exempt from tolls on I-405 express toll lanes as long as they have a motorcycle pass. The pass notifies the toll system that the vehicle is exempt and prevents the motorcycle from receiving a toll bill. Motorcyclists are also exempt on State Route 167 HOT lanes but are not required to have a motorcycle pass to travel free there because that toll facility does not have photo tolling and the Pay By Mail payment option.
    In April, WSDOT announced a program to provide free motorcycle passes to motorcycle drivers who plan to use the new I-405 express toll lanes. Over 2,200 motorcyclists have requested a free pass. The motorcycle passes, normally $8, have a clear backing and do not affect headlamp light or visibility. The first free motorcycle passes will begin arriving in mailboxes this week.
    “We’ve seen a great response so far to the incentive and we’ve exceeded our initial goal of 2,000 passes. We will continue offering free passes while supplies last,” Rubstello said.
    WSDOT is still encouraging motorcyclists to activate their motorcycle pass by adding it to a Good To Go! account. Drivers with an existing account, can add the pass at MyGoodToGo.com or by calling 1-866-936-8246. If the pass is active on a Good To Go! account, it can be used to pay a toll on the State Route 520 or the Tacoma Narrows bridges where motorcycles are required to pay tolls.
    Motorcyclists interested in the option of using a pass without a Good to Go! account should email WSDOT at 405carpool@wsdot.wa.gov and wait to activate their free motorcycle pass. WSDOT will notify motorcyclists prior to the express toll lanes opening this fall to confirm that this option is ready.Motorcyclists participating in this program would receive a bill in the mail when crossing the SR 520 or Tacoma Narrows bridges because their pass would not be tied to a Good To Go! account.
    Visit GoodToGo405.org to learn more about I-405 express toll lanes and the requirements for the motorcycle incentive program. An animated video explains how to get ready for this fall and gives an example of what a trip may look like in the express toll lanes.
     
    k4xbeemer, Jul 2, 2015
    k4xbeemer, Jul 2, 2015
  3. Jul 2, 2015 #2
    Wilder

    Wilder

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    I'm so confused now o_O

    This stupid citizen needs a summary of all that mumbo jumbo.
     
    Wilder, Jul 2, 2015
    Wilder, Jul 2, 2015
    k4xbeemer likes this.

  5. Jul 2, 2015 #3
    2nd Childhood

    2nd Childhood

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    Sounds like we're no longer need to have our motorcycle Good to Go passes tied to an account with at least $30 in it.
     
    2nd Childhood, Jul 2, 2015
    2nd Childhood, Jul 2, 2015
  6. Jul 2, 2015 #4
    s1000rr

    s1000rr

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    If they ever send you your free pass... assuming you filled out their online survey a couple months ago, like I did.
     
    s1000rr, Jul 2, 2015
    s1000rr, Jul 2, 2015
    2nd Childhood likes this.
  7. Jul 2, 2015 #5
    FiveOhFord

    FiveOhFord

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    Heaven forbid they do the smart thing and make their plate recognition software auto-exempt the motorcycle tags....
     
    FiveOhFord, Jul 2, 2015
    FiveOhFord, Jul 2, 2015
    2nd Childhood likes this.
  8. Jul 2, 2015 #6
    Chrishil54

    Chrishil54

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    WADOT doing something that makes sense and doesn't require at least 30 Bureaucrats to manage each other and the program? You should know by now that isn't possible!
     
    Chrishil54, Jul 2, 2015
    Chrishil54, Jul 2, 2015
    2nd Childhood likes this.
  9. Jul 2, 2015 #7
    PeteN95

    PeteN95 Moderator Staff Member

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    +1 How can this system be so hi-tech to be able to read license plates, but can't tell if the plate is 6" wide or 12" wide?!?
     
    PeteN95, Jul 2, 2015
    PeteN95, Jul 2, 2015
  10. Jul 3, 2015 #8
    FiveOhFord

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    It doesn't even have to do that, all it has to do is recognize the number as belonging to a motorcycle, and toss that number from the protocol for charging, or exempt it or something. I bet WSP doesn't have to acquire some bullshit chip to prevent getting tolled.
     
    FiveOhFord, Jul 3, 2015
    FiveOhFord, Jul 3, 2015
  11. Jul 3, 2015 #9
    Texasl

    Texasl Totally Charming Retired Moderator

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    Third party software set up under a contract that did not call for the plate differentiation. There would be an added (read that unbudgeted) expense to modify the requirements of the current contract. I have been discussing the possibility of aligning all of the tolling project contracts under one blanket contract as they come due for renewal. If the agency will commit to that then the parameters for the new contract can be set at the beginning to make the system more user friendly. Until then, we have to work at baby steps pace to try and deal with emergent issues.

    I have no doubt that the next issue that crops up will be the out of area tourist who has no idea about the problems getting a bill in the mail.
     
    Texasl, Jul 3, 2015
    Texasl, Jul 3, 2015
  12. Jul 3, 2015 #10
    k4xbeemer

    k4xbeemer

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    I wrote to them, and here is their reply in under 20 minutes:

    Hello Brian-

    I’m glad to hear you’ve already filled out the survey to receive your free motorcycle pass.

    It sounds like you heard of our new program of allowing motorcycles to travel toll-free with a pass, but without an account. While this program is still in the beginning stages, we are creating an interest list for those wanting to use the motorcycle pass to travel toll-free on the I-405 express toll lanes without opening a Good To Go! account. We will be in touch prior to the express toll lanes opening with any additional instructions for what you will need to do, if anything, aside from installing the pass on your bike.

    Thank you for taking the time to write us,

    Abby Rudell
    WSDOT Toll Division
    206-716-1153 (desk)​
     
    k4xbeemer, Jul 3, 2015
    k4xbeemer, Jul 3, 2015
    2nd Childhood likes this.
  13. Jul 6, 2015 #11
    Chrishil54

    Chrishil54

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    Because to them the blow line is 8 inches:

    -

    :D
     
    Chrishil54, Jul 6, 2015
    Chrishil54, Jul 6, 2015
  14. Jul 7, 2015 #12
    Michael of Burien

    Michael of Burien

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    What ever happened to that? I filled that thing out a while ago.
     
    Michael of Burien, Jul 7, 2015
    Michael of Burien, Jul 7, 2015
  15. Jul 7, 2015 #13
    2nd Childhood

    2nd Childhood

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    I think we're all still waiting....
     
    2nd Childhood, Jul 7, 2015
    2nd Childhood, Jul 7, 2015
  16. Jul 7, 2015 #14
    wooden

    wooden

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    What if your license plate is in such a location it can't be read by the cameras?
     
    wooden, Jul 7, 2015
    wooden, Jul 7, 2015
  17. Jul 8, 2015 #15
    2nd Childhood

    2nd Childhood

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    Just rec'd this:

    Thank you for contactingGood To Go! to request a free motorcycle pass. Your new motorcycle pass will be arriving in the mail soon. The motorcycle pass is a permanent sticker that adheres to a motorcycle headlamp with clear backing. The pass does not affect headlamp light or visibility.
    We are finding a solution for motorcyclists to ride toll-free in the I-405 express toll lanes by using a motorcycle pass without activating a pre-paidGood To Go! account. Depending on your situation, you have options for how you use your new motorcycle pass. You will want to consider the following options to determine the path that is right for you:
    Already have aGood To Go! account?
    If you have aGood To Go! account, your package will include the new pass and instructions how to activate the transponder. If you already have aGood To Go! account, you can add your new pass to your account at MyGoodToGo.com or by calling 1-866-936-8246. The I-405 Express Toll Lanes will open in early fall but in the meantime, you can use your new pass to pay a toll if you travel on the SR 520 or the Tacoma Narrows bridges.
    Want the flexibility to pay tolls on any WSDOT toll facility and want to open aGood To Go! account?
    Once you receive your pass in the mail you can set up a newGood To Go! account and add your free motorcycle pass to that account at MyGoodToGo.com or by calling 1-866-936-8246.
    Only use your motorcycle on I 405 and don’t want aGood To Go! account?
    We are currently exploring options to allow motorcycles to drive toll-free on the I-405 express toll lanes with a motorcycle pass that is not linked to a Good To Go! account. Contact us by replying to this email if you are interested in this option, and we will notify you when the option becomes available. Motorcycles participating in this program must still pay tolls on the SR 520 and Tacoma Narrows bridges. If you use these roads without a Good To Go! account, a bill will be sent in the mail to the address on the vehicle at a higher rate.
    Undecided?
    No worries. The I-405 Express Toll Lanes will open in early fall, so you can wait to open an account. However, if you use SR 520 or Tacoma Narrows bridges, activate yourGood To Go! pass on an account so you pay the lowest toll and avoid a bill in the mail.
     
    2nd Childhood, Jul 8, 2015
    2nd Childhood, Jul 8, 2015
  18. Jul 8, 2015 #16
    k4xbeemer

    k4xbeemer

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    Yup, actually got two e-mails. Sure hope that means two free transponders. One isn't going to cut it for 4 bikes. ;)
     
    k4xbeemer, Jul 8, 2015
    k4xbeemer, Jul 8, 2015
  19. Jul 8, 2015 #17
    k4xbeemer

    k4xbeemer

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    Don't worry,... there's a border patrol station to keep Portland weird.
    They're probably already looking for you if you've tucked your plate so The Man can't see it. :confused:
     
    k4xbeemer, Jul 8, 2015
    k4xbeemer, Jul 8, 2015
  20. Jul 8, 2015 #18
    azn370z

    azn370z

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    Do you think the sticker will work if placed on the windshield? The 2015 r1 headlights are very small.
     
    azn370z, Jul 8, 2015
    azn370z, Jul 8, 2015
  21. Jul 8, 2015 #19
    wooden

    wooden

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    Heh, I haven't, but I've seen plenty of people around who have... Never seen any of 'em pulled over.

    I find it odd that the pass they're giving to motorcyclists goes on the headlight.
    If it has a clear backing, why not adhere it to the license plate...?
     
    wooden, Jul 8, 2015
    wooden, Jul 8, 2015
  22. Jul 8, 2015 #20
    wooden

    wooden

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    The only reason I even care about this silly i405 shenanigans is because I'm from Issaquah and end up in the area at least once a month, and use 405 a lot while I'm up there to travel between Kent/Issaquah/Bellevue/Edmonds to visit family. I really don't want to buy a pass for a state I don't even live in just so I don't have to deal with WADOT's inability to understand the limitations/capabilities of today's technology.
     
    wooden, Jul 8, 2015
    wooden, Jul 8, 2015
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