I-4 Express Lanes to introduce dynamic toll pricing based on traffic levels | FOX 35 Orlando
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I-4 Express Lanes to introduce dynamic toll pricing based on traffic levels

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Updated  February 21, 2025 11:25pm EST
Orange County
FOX 35 Orlando

I-4 Express Lanes to introduce dynamic toll pricing

Get ready to pay more when you hit the I-4 Express Lanes during the morning commute on Monday. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is starting "dynamic pricing" next week.

The Brief

    • Drivers on I-4 Express Lanes will see higher tolls during certain hours starting Monday as FDOT implements dynamic pricing based on traffic levels.
    • Officials say the system aims to reduce congestion, but the exact toll increases remain unclear.
    • Commuters should check overhead signs for real-time prices before entering the express lanes.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Get ready to pay more when you hit the I-4 Express Lanes during the morning commute on Monday. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is starting "dynamic pricing" next week.

Dynamic tolling is an attempt to manage demand

What we know:

Starting Monday, commuters using the I-4 Express Lanes during the morning rush will pay higher tolls under a new "dynamic pricing" system. Instead of a fixed rate, toll prices will fluctuate based on traffic levels, with higher costs during peak hours. FDOT says the goal is to prevent congestion and ensure reliable travel times.

Drivers traveling through the busiest stretches near Downtown Orlando will be most affected. Overhead signs will display real-time toll prices as drivers enter the express lanes.

What we don't know:

FDOT has not disclosed the specific price range for the new tolls. While officials have indicated there will be a "small increase" during peak hours, it remains unclear just how much more commuters should expect to pay.

Additionally, it is uncertain whether the new pricing model will significantly ease congestion or if drivers will opt for alternative routes to avoid the extra costs.

The backstory:

The I-4 Express Lanes opened in 2022 as part of a larger effort to alleviate traffic on one of Central Florida’s most congested highways. Until now, toll prices remained steady regardless of traffic volume. The shift to dynamic pricing aligns with a broader trend in major metropolitan areas, where variable tolls are used to manage congestion.

FDOT has been monitoring traffic patterns and usage rates since the express lanes opened, leading to the decision to implement the new pricing system.

Big picture view:

Orlando's growing population and increasing commuter traffic have made congestion a persistent issue. Dynamic tolling is an attempt to manage demand while maintaining reliable travel times for those willing to pay.

Similar tolling systems are already in place in cities like Miami and Washington, D.C., where express lane prices fluctuate based on congestion levels. The success of those programs has influenced FDOT’s decision to bring the model to Central Florida.

What they're saying:

For some drivers, the change means adjusting their travel habits. Angelia Colon, a local commuter, says hitting the road early is more important than ever.

"Getting an early start on road trips is more important than ever," Colon said, acknowledging that avoiding peak-hour toll increases might be the best strategy.

FDOT officials maintain that the price adjustments will be modest. While they have not specified exact figures, they say drivers should expect only a "small increase" in toll rates during high-traffic periods.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

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