I found myself–unwittingly–on the toll road early one morning, got to the toll booth and tried to figure out what the toll was. There was no attendant, no signs, just a number to call. I actually sat at the booth (no one behind me the whole time–it was pretty late) called the number but couldn’t reach anyone. Couldn’t turn around, so I drove through.

Well, for my trouble and good intentions, I received a notice that I would be fined some ridiculous amount (hundred bucks, I think). Then I read the fine print–I would be fined if I didn’t pay the toll (after the fact). So I called and paid the fine. I grew up on teh east coast–quite a few toll roads there (turnpikes). They have a basket where you throw in your change and/or they man one or two gates with real people–all night!

Point is, I feel your pain. it’s ludicrous to set up a toll booth and then not have it work properly or be set up (in modern california) for all the different possibilities, then impose on the driver to pay the fee.

I remember the stores in the mall out in those parts was having some killer sales…maybe the toll road just isn’t getting used enough?