Customer Assistance Patrol — Valuable Help When (and where) You Need It

Major rainstorms. Local wildfires. Driving hazards, flat tires and mechanical trouble. You never know what will slow you down on Orange County freeways.

But regardless of unique road conditions—or any other little “surprises” life throws your way—one thing is certain: the help you can count on from the 91 Express Lanes Customer Assistance Patrol. Whether you’re out of gas, have a flat tire, or need your vehicle towed to safety, our on-road Customer Assistance Patrol team gets there fast to help—and is totally free of charge.

Every day, the 91 Express Lanes Traffic Operations Center (TOC) uses in-road sensors and video cameras to monitor conditions on the 91 Express Lanes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When a problem is detected, the TOC can quickly dispatch the Customer Assistance Patrol or contact the California Highway Patrol, if the incident occurs after hours.

The 91 Express Lanes Customer Assistance Patrol is on duty weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. It’s just another way we’re looking out for your driving safety—and helping to ensure your peace of mind.

Is Your 91 Express Lanes Account Up-to-Date?

Let’s face it. Between work, a daily commute and family commitments—life can be hectic— and there’s not always enough time to get everything done.

But some tasks—if forgotten or avoided —can actually cost you more in the long run…like keeping your 91 Express Lanes account up to date. In order to steer clear of pesky (and sometimes costly) FasTrak™ violations, remember the following tips:

• Make sure your FasTrak™ account has enough funds.
• Consider multiple credit cards on your account.
• Check your credit card expiration dates.
• Ensure all family vehicles are listed on your account.
• Verify your transponder is positioned correctly and working properly.
• Make sure all your vehicles have proper DMV registration.

To update your 91 Express Lanes account— or to check your account standing—contact us today.

You can reach us 24 hours a day by phone (951-278-9191) or on the web. Or feel free to visit one of our Customer Service Centers in person Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. For locations and directions, visit www.91expresslanes.com.

Stop By and See Us at the Orange County Fair Coming Soon: July 11 - Aug. 3, 2008

Whether you live or work in Orange County—or just love to visit this popular destination—there’s one annual event that just shouldn’t be missed: the Orange County Fair.

Running this year from July 11 through Aug. 3 at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds, the Orange County Fair will feature a winning line-up of summer concerts, sports events, carnival rides and some of the summer’s best food and entertainment around.

What’s more, you can get the latest on the Orange County Transportation Authority—by visiting our booth (#13) in the Orange County Building (#16).

While you’re there, pick up transportation information on buses, rail options, carpools, vanpools and the 91 Express Lanes. You can even receive a free bus pass when you use our computerized trip planner to plan your next bus trip.

Come see us at the Orange County Fair—and learn how we can help you maximize your transportation options.

To learn more information, visit the official Orange County Fair website.

 
Progress at Work: New SR-91/SR-71 Interchange to Serfas Club Drive Now Complete

Have you noticed the smoother transition between the SR-91 and the SR-71 interchange to Serfas Club Drive? If so, you’re one of thousands applauding the recent enhancements to this busy connection.

The project, which began last November and was completed in February, cost $1.4 million. And we’re proud to say that $250,000 of that total was funded through 91 Express Lanes Toll Revenue—evidence of how your dollars are hard at work easing congestion.

As part of this project, Caltrans reconstructed the median barrier on SR-91 between SR-71 and Serfas Club Drive. This modification allowed Caltrans to restripe the lanes and add an auxiliary lane from SR-71 to Serfas Club Drive, which has provided several key benefits for motorists.

First, motorists choosing to exit at Serfas Club Drive no longer need to merge onto the SR-91 and then exit. Secondly, it gives drivers more time to merge onto the SR-91 from the SR-71. These benefits not only make life easier for motorists using these exits and connections, they also keep traffic flowing more smoothly on SR-91—which helps benefit everyone.

On the SR-91, every small piece that brings relief to motorists contributes to the greater picture of how transportation officials are working together to address congestion issues.

New Toll Rates Effective July 1, 2008

The approved toll policy requires an annual toll adjustment for inflation. Effective July 1, tolls will increase 3.015 percent during all time periods, except during “super peak” hours that have had toll adjustments during the previous 12 months. The 3.015 percent inflation rate is calculated using the Labor Index Adjuster and the Consumer Price Index Adjuster. Tolls that were subject to the inflation-rate increase have been rounded up or down to the nearest 5-cent increment. Please refer to the new toll schedule.

For a complete copy of the toll policy, please visit the 91 Express Lanes’ web site at www.91expresslanes.com or OCTA’s website at www.octa.net. You can also reach us at the 91 Express Lanes Customer Service Center at (951) 278-9191.