MTC Express Lanes
MTC Express Lanes are part of the Bay Area Express Lanes network. MTC Express Lanes help speed trips and reduce congestion. Learn more about Express Lanes at expresslanes.511.org.
MTC adopted the Bay Area Express Lanes Strategic Plan in April 2021, developed in collaboration with Bay Area Express Lane partners.
The Strategic Plan aligns the purpose, goals and strategies of the Express Lanes network with MTC's other regional goals, including Plan Bay Area 2050.
Express Lanes Policies: Read the policies that apply to the operation of MTC Express Lanes.
Learn about how Bay Area Express Lanes work, toll exemptions, pricing, enforcement and more.
Where are the Express Lanes?
MTC operates Express Lanes on:
- Interstate 680 southbound from Martinez to San Ramon and northbound from San Ramon to Walnut Creek
- Interstate 880 between Oakland and Milpitas
Bay Area Express lanes that are operated by MTC’s agency partners are:
- Interstate 580 in Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore
- Interstate 680 southbound from Pleasanton Sunol to Milpitas (operating as an HOV lane until fall 2022)
- State Route 237 between Milpitas and San Jose
-
US-101 in San Mateo County (owned by the SMCELJPA, operated by MTC)
New MTC Express Lanes
Read Connecting the Bay Area: Express Lanes Network 2021 Strategic Plan to see which Express Lanes projects are opening soon, are under construction, or are planned.
How much time do drivers spend in congestion on Bay Area freeways?
Discounts on Interstate 880 Express Lanes for lower-income adults.
Development of the Express Lanes network is a cooperative effort between MTC, several Bay Area county transportation authorities, Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol, with input from other stakeholders who are invested in the success of the network. This includes transit operators and groups who advance equity, and those who encourage carpooling and vanpooling.