California’s 12-cent gas tax increase went into effect this month, and you’ll soon see the impact at gas stations throughout the state. We have a couple of ways for you to beat the tax hike:
Share the Ride – Whether you call it ridesharing or carpooling, it’s the same thing – sharing a ride and splitting the cost. Now that most people have smartphones, apps make it possible to carpool to work with just a little advance notice. 
The first step: visit our Carpooling Page. We’ll walk you through your options (some app-based, some not) and even tell you how carpooling might qualify you for a $25 incentive.
If you commute by driving to BART, there’s an additional perk for you: Scoop carpools are guaranteed a parking spot at a number of Contra Costa BART stations when they arrive before 10am. No need to get up super-early to get a space or roll the dice on a spot being available when you arrive – use Scoop to find a passenger for that empty seat & parking is yours! Plus, parking is free.
Get an Electric Vehicle – If you’re not ready to commute without driving, leasing or purchasing an electric vehicle not only lets you avoid paying the gas tax, but vehicles which are 100% electric get toll-free access to the Express Lanes. Electric vehicles are also allowed in the HOV lanes during carpool hours, even if it’s a solo commute.
For more information on the benefits of driving an electric vehicle, visit our Electric Vehicle Incentive Programs page.
Tag: lane
Southbound I-680 Marina Vista Ramp Closure: May 4 – October, 2015 (Martinez)
On May 4, a closure and detour will go into effect for the southbound I-680 Marina Vista/Waterfront Rd off-ramp in Martinez. The closure will remain in effect until October 2015. Between April and October, a seismic retrofit will be performed on the Mococo Overhead Bridge and the I-680 off-ramp will be replaced.
During the closure, southbound I-680 traffic will detour to the Arthur Road interchange, exit and cross under the freeway, return to northbound I-680, and exit at Marina Vista/Waterfront Road. Marina Vista and Waterfront Road will remain open during the extended ramp closure.
Please allow extra travel time when driving through this area and make sure to Slow for the Cone Zone. For more information about the project, visit the Caltrans Mococo Overhead Bridge Project webpage.
NOTE: Post edited to reflect postponement of closure to Monday, May 4.
Overnight/Early Morning Hwy 24 Lane Closures – April 19 & 20, 2015 (Lafayette)
Caltrans has scheduled lane closures along eastbound State Route 24, between Acalanes Road and Oak Hill Road, from Sunday April 19 at 9pm to Monday, April 20 at 8am. This work is in preparation for a slope stability project in that area.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time for their commute. Please drive with caution through the construction zone.
For more information about the slope stability construction project, please visit the project webpage.
Advisory: I-680 Mococo Overhead Bridge Project Lane & Ramp Closures (Mar. 2015)
Caltrans District 4 has scheduled the following lane and ramp closures for the Interstate 680 Mococo Overhead Bridge Rehabilitation Project:
On-Ramp Closures
The Marina Vista on-ramp to southbound I-680 will be closed:
- Thursday night, March 26, from 6pm-6am
- 6pm Friday night, March 27 until 12pm Saturday, March 28
Lane/Shoulder Closures at the Marina Vista/Waterfront Road Interchange:
- One northbound lane will be closed from 8pm Friday, March 27 to 5am Monday, March 30
- The left shoulder of southbound I-680 will be closed from 8pm Friday, March 27 through 5am Monday, March 30
Upcoming Closure of Southbound I-680 Off-Ramp to Marina Vista/Waterfront Road
In late April 2015 Caltrans will close the southbound off-ramp from I-680 to Marina Vista/Waterfront Road. The closure will remain in effect for about five months while the contractor removes the old off-ramp structure and builds a new structure.
- Detour: During this closure, southbound I-680 traffic will detour to the Arthur Road interchange, exit and cross under the freeway, return to northbound I-680, and exit at Marina Vista/Waterfront Road
- Marina Vista and Waterfront Road will remain open during the extended ramp closure
Please drive cautiously through the construction zone, follow the directions of flaggers, leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you, and Slow for the Cone Zone. The California Highway Patrol will be on site during these closures.
For more information about the project visit the Caltrans I-680 Mococo Bridge Rehabilitation Project page.
