Supervisor Hahn Celebrates Permanent Decriminalization of Metro Express Lanes

No transponder? No problem.

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is applauding a vote by the Metro Board to permanently decriminalize the Express Lanes on the 10 and 110 freeways. Supervisor Hahn, who serves on the Metro Board, was the author of the original proposal to decriminalize the lanes and replace it with a “pay-as-you-go” model in 2018.

For years, drivers were not allowed in the Metro Express Lanes on the I-10 and I-110 freeways without having an official transponder in their vehicle.  If caught by California Highway Patrol in the Express Lane without a transponder, a driver would receive a $250 citation.  A camera would also capture the license plates of any vehicles without transponders and send the drivers a fine in the mail.

In 2018, Supervisor Hahn proposed a plan to decriminalize the Express Lanes and allow drivers without a transponder to use the lanes and simply pay the congestion toll and a small processing fee which are sent in the mail. Metro implemented Hahn’s plan as a pilot program starting in 2019.

“I proposed this plan back in 2018 because I know how intimidating the Express Lanes can be for drivers and that plenty of people haven’t gone through the trouble of getting a transponder,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “It is gratifying to know that the pay-as-you-go model has been working and that we can make this a permanent option for drivers and make our freeways a little more friendly.”

Data compiled by Metro showed 900,000 more people using the express lanes without transponders during the pilot program.