The difference is that Uber doesn't need a whole bunch of infrastructure to run the surge pricing program; they already have an app, surge is just another algor

The difference is that Uber doesn't need a whole bunch of infrastructure to run the surge pricing program; they already have an app, surge is just another algorithm. But toll lanes need infrastructure that needs to be constantly maintained. Your toll is paying for the times that the toll is not active. And now that the toll gates and whatnot are all setup, it will be much easier for a politician to expand their usage after a few years. Aside from all that, we have a similar setup in Ontario, Canada. One of our major highways has a "hot" lane, which can be used for cars with 2+ people or by cars with a special sticker you pay monthly for. The problem is, all of the traffic we experience is around the interchanges and off ramps. All of the lanes move very well until you hit an interchange, where there is a flurry of lane changes and everything grinds to a halt. So you'll shave 5 minutes off your commute using the Hot lane, only to waste it all at the interchanges. Then, when you want to get off the highway, you have to sit in a line at the off ramp, and a line at the next few stop lights right after. Toll lanes are just such a huge farce. It would be much more effective to tax companies that require in-office staff. You want people to drive to work just to sit at a desk and use a computer? Pay up. Use corporate tax to change the commute behaviour.