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Central Florida drivers could pay more in tolls during rush hour

ORLANDO, Fla. — MetroPlan Orlando is spending $500,000 on a study that could determine if Central Florida drivers pay more in tolls during rush hour – also known as value pricing.

Central Floridians have grown accustomed to brake lights to bumpers during the peak hours of the day, but some drivers are struggling with the idea.

Mike Sterling drives 45,000 miles a year as a commission sales representative and said he's paid the tolls to prove it.

"It's money out of my expenses," Sterling said.

Cynthia Lambert, a spokesperson for MetroPlan Orlando, said it does seem like a waste of money.

"Why not just do it? We wish we could just do it. But there are a lot of details that need to be worked out," Lambert said.

The study would show what kind of rates people might be willing to pay, and if drivers are willing to pay for value pricing at all. It would also look into tacking on an extra fee for drivers who travel into the city of Orlando during the heaviest traffic times.

Drivers said it's not money well spent, especially when they already pay enough in tolls.

"What do you need to study? You've done so many of them. Study one and fix one that's already done," said Bryan Glover, a driver.

MetroPlan Orlando said the study will take 18 months to complete.