Choose to use the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes based  on what works for YOU. Express yourself through YOUR travels,  the way you like it.
Live your best life. Optimize your time and get to where you need to go!
EXPRESS YOURSELF WITH THE SAN MATEO 101 EXPRESS LANES

The San Mateo 101 Express Lanes are 22 miles of express lanes in both directions on U.S. 101 from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County Line to I-380 in South San Francisco. The express lanes are dynamically priced and adjust cost based on real-time traffic levels to offer more consistent travel speeds of 45 mph or greater, resulting in reduced and more reliable travel times.  The San Mateo 101 Express Lanes connect seamlessly to the express lanes operating in Santa Clara County. 

San Mateo 101 Express Lanes project map that rules in both directions on U.S. 101 from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County Line to I-230 in South San Francisco
 
HOW TO USE THE EXPRESS LANES

All vehicles need FasTrak® Flex to use the lanes. Get started and create a FasTrak® account by visiting bayareafastrak.org.

If you drive an eligible clean air vehicle (CAV), you’ll need to register for a FasTrak CAV® toll tag.

FasTrak Flex transponder on top of the 101 Express Lanes
KNOW THE FACTS

Click the links below to download the latest San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Fact Sheet and always be in the know.

HOW TO GET FASTRAK®

Need a toll tag with a switch? There are three ways to get started with FasTrak®. 

HOW TO USE YOUR FASTRAK® TRANSPONDER

Great, you have a FasTrak®! Now here’s how to use it.

Before you hit the road, be sure to set your FasTrak® Flex or FasTrak CAV® to the right setting before beginning your trip. Just set the switch to match the number of people in your vehicle every time you drive.

IT’S AS EASY AS 1-2-3!
1. Woman driving with FasTrak transponder
2. Image of man with FasTrak transponder
3. Image of family with FasTrak transponder
Solo Drivers 
Two-Person Carpools (Kids Count!)
Carpools, Vanpools,  Buses, and Motorcycles*

*Motorcycles must set toll tag to 3+ setting to use express lanes.

DISCOUNTS FOR THE EXPRESS LANES

Set the FasTrak® Flex toll transponder switch prior to your trip to the correct settings. It’s the only way to get discounts in the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes and other Bay Area express lanes. 

Carpool

Vehicles with three or more occupants travel FREE.

Motorcycle

Motorcycles travel FREE. Just remember set the switch to 3+.

Clean Air Vehicle

Clean air vehicles with a single occupant get 50% OFF with a FasTrak® CAV toll tag. 

Two-person carpool

Two-person carpools receive 50% OFF.

Two-seat car

Two-seat cars with two people in them travel FREE. Two-seat cars carrying two people should use position 3+

WHEN YOU CAN USE THE EXPRESS LANES

The express lanes operate Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Overhead signs will display the rate for your travels in the express lanes. The lanes are open to all vehicles during times not in operation.

WHY CHOOSE THE  EXPRESS LANES

There are many benefits when you choose the express lanes.   

  • Beat congestion in the corridor 
  • More consistent travel speeds 
  • Makes carpooling and transit use faster
  • Decrease your travel time
  • Gives you a peace of mind to get you where you need to go