Video: Commuter says 'Good to Go' tolling system is not so good

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TACOMA, Wash. - Brian White says he's getting burned by Highway 167's HOT lanes.

"I was fully expecting it to happen, knowing that at one time I'm going to have to call to try to explain that I have two people in the car," he said.

Here's how the hot lane system works. When solo drivers uses the lane, a radio frequency is sent to their "Good to Go" pass and a toll is deducted electronically from their bank account.

Brian is a pass holder who primarily carpools, which is free, so when he has that extra passenger he'll place a state-issued metal shield behind the pass to stop the radio frequency from triggering a payment.

But it hasn't worked out that way.

Brian saw his bill and challenged the state on eight charges.

"I'm pretty sure they weren't going to volunteer to give the money back," he said.

"Whenever you have a new system there's going to be some kinks," said Janet Matkin of the Department of Transportation.

Matkin says if that little piece of metal is not on perfectly, be prepared to see charges to your account.

KING

When solo drivers uses the hot lane, a radio frequency is sent to their "Good to Go" pass and a toll is deducted electronically from their bank account.

"There's still a little bit of the radio frequency coming through, maybe the shield is not on properly or is a little askew," she said.

Here are a few tips:

•Be sure your metal shield is on correctly.

•Check your account daily.

•If you have a problem, call the state immediately.

That's what Brian did.

"It could take up to 30 days for us to make a determination as to what has to happen," he said.

We talked to the state and they said Brian will be taken care of in just a few days, but he wonders how many others are being hit with false charges.

"The confusion is that you don't know if you are being charged," he said.

The state says a light on the transponder poles is supposed flash, informing drivers if they've been charged. But that system is also under question from commuters who say by the time the light goes off they are long gone.

If you have a consumer concern, call Jesse Jones toll-free at 877-51-JESSE or e-mail him at getjesse@king5.com.