The Phantom 405 Tollbooth

This Friday, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will discuss proposals to widen the perpetually congested San Diego Freeway. One of the options on the table, labeled Alternative 3, would add a general and carpool lane while turning the already existing carpool lanes on the 405 into toll roads. The plan has already drawn fierce opposition from residents and politicians who represent the cities along the 405, arguing OC taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for something they funded with taxes long ago. But in an era of declining revenue and increasing traffic, are toll lanes on freeways the new reality?