91 Express Lane Rate Increases

* Re “Extension of the 91 Express Lanes Is Being Explored,” March 30:

Once again the operators of the 91 Express Lanes are raising the toll rates with the excuse that it will relieve congestion on the toll lanes during peak times.

No one I have talked to has ever complained of overcrowding in these lanes. On the contrary, those who travel the regular Riverside Freeway say that the lanes are not being used anywhere near capacity.

I think that the rate increases are just a way for the operators of this money-losing operation to try to look profitable.

Furthermore, in the notice that all subscribers received in the mail notifying them of the changes, they were informed that “In the future, we will no longer provide written notice of toll schedule changes or mail a copy of the toll schedule each time we make a change.” Why is that, I wonder?

Does this mean that the operators of the toll lanes plan to keep raising the tolls even more frequently? Subscribers have the right to be informed, by mail, of any changes to the rate schedules before they take effect.

How many people do they really think will look at their Web site or stop by the walk-in customer service center to see what the rates are? This is the method suggested in the latest mailing on how to keep informed about any rate changes.

It’s no wonder the 91 Express Lanes are losing money--the operators are slowly driving their current and potential customers away.

HARLAN LASSITER

Newport Beach