91 Freeway toll prices dropping as new cameras deter violators

Honest drivers are now saving money after new cameras deterred toll violators from using the 91 Freeway's carpool lanes.

"As cheaters have moved out of the 3+ lanes, the toll rates for everyone else are going down, especially outside of the peak periods," said David Knudsen, who works for the Riverside County Transportation Commission. 

RCTC staff said on average, 25,000 people a month use the HOV 3+ lanes to get a free ride when they shouldn't. Since last August, the new occupancy detection system installed in the center median of the 91 Freeway has helped the county recover more than $1 million in tolls and fees.   

The cameras capture several photos of the front and back seats through a car's windshield. The system software flags violators. Using the photos, RCTC staff verifies that the driver doesn't qualify for the carpool discount and bills the account a $5 fee. 

Knudsen said the system helps staff easily catch violators, despite their best efforts to deceive the cameras. 

"You can clearly see that this is a mannequin sitting in the passenger seat that they are trying to use a carpool buddy," he said. "They are dressing up the car seat with a hoodie and a hat."

Commuters are glad that the new system has reduced the number of violators on the 91 Freeway and lowered prices after paying as much as $20 for a single ride through the carpool lanes. 

The California Highway Patrol is also ticketing violators. The fine is about $500.