Community Corner

"Backtrackers" Vow to Defy Dulles Access Road Usage Rules

MWAA promises increased enforcement and commuters push back, decry cost of tolls.

Using the road – the toll-free lanes that run within the Dulles Toll Road lanes – for non-airport business is called “backtracking” and is punishable by fines starting at $92 and points on the violator’s driver’s record.

While MWAA calls backtracking an unfair burden to those abiding the law, some readers commented that there are too few options heading east-west and decrying tolls that officials promised would be eliminated.

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“I have lived in many cities in this country – NYC, LA, Houston, Dallas, Chicago – and I have never seen a more screwed up transportation system than the DC/NoVa metro area!” Cat Dargen wrote. “I have backtracked and I have no guilt or shame whatsoever! If you are smart enough to figure it out ... good for you!”

Paul McDonald wrote: “I backtracked for YEARS, everyone should. All you need to do is go to the gas station and buy something, anything. The gas station is on the way to the back exit onto 606 anyway. I even got stopped once by an MWAA police officer, he asked me what my business was and I said I was filling up my gas tank. He asked why I didn't use another gas station and I said because the price at the airport was usually lower, then he sent me on my way.”

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Tolls are currently $1.75 at the main toll plaza and $1 at the ramps and exits, with an increase to $2.50 at the main toll plaza starting Jan. 1. While the tolls avoided are not as high as the Dulles Greenway tolls in Loudoun, they will increase over time to help pay for the second phase of Metro’s Silver Line. Greenway tolls are $4.10 at main plaza and $4.90 at rush hour, with an additional $1 charge for drivers continuing on to the Dulles Toll Road. The Greenway is privately operated by TRIP II, a subsidiary of Australia-based Macquarie Group.

“The county, state and MWAA should feel guilty, not back trackers,” wrote S - Herndon, recalling past promises to eliminate the tolls. Instead, he said, they’ve created a permanent stream of income.

“… it is impossible to guilt back trackers,” S – Herndon wrote. “They are completely justified! Shame on you MWAA, Fairfax County and the Commonwealth.”

Sean Moran: “Government gets their hands on our money and they will never let go of it if they don't have to. I live in the Herndon/Reston area and it costs me $3/day to commute to Tysons. That doesn't sound like a lot, but it's $60 per month. Rt. 7 isn't a viable option though, so I just have to pay, sadly.”

Joel Johnson wrote: “I pay $6.50 in the morning to get to Tysons, but use the airport road on the way back because it saves me miles & time. I usually stop at the airport gas station.”

What do you think about the backtracking enforcement? Go get them? Or more power to them?


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