Earlier this month the governor and state lawmakers signed off on a new deal to add express toll lanes on I-4, costing the Florida Department of Transportation an estimated $1.1 billion. The “new I-4 tolls” has caused much debate and controversy among students and professors at Valencia College. Construction is estimated to begin late next year or early 2015.

These lanes will be a 21-mile stretch from State Road 434, Longwood to Downtown Orlando, as well as from Kirkman to Downtown Orlando.

The prices of the tolls range from $4.30 to as much as $7.70 depending on the road and time of day.

The plans for these express lanes, already have many talking, some say it’s worth the money. On the other hand, many drivers feel it is too expensive and realize that the costs will add up.

Considering the project is being funded by taxes, citizens paid their part just by working here in Florida. To charge all citizens such a price in order to create convenience for those that can afford the price is absurd.

The price should be more reasonable in order for this new project to be useful. Even high salaried individuals shouldn’t feel obligated to pay high rates to make it to their destination on time.