RICHMOND, Va. -- The Virginia Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers of commercial vehicles, especially buses and motorcoaches, operating in Northern Virginia to become familiar with major changes on the Capital Beltway resulting from the opening of the I-495 Express Lanes.

The high-speed lanes, which were constructed in the median of the existing interstate, are designed to help users avoid some of the traffic congestion on the Beltway, one of the busiest roadways in the nation.

The 495 Express Lanes are being operated on the so-called high-occupancy tolling, or HOT, model.

HOT lanes increase the toll rate charged to automobiles during periods of peak demand. Under the system, drivers choosing to pay the higher toll can expect to get a faster, more predictable trip on the express lanes.

Drivers not wishing to pay the toll can travel toll-free on the regular lanes of the highway.

Over-the-road trucks are prohibited from using the express lanes but motorcoaches and transit buses can.

In fact, the lanes can be particularly attractive to bus operators because the tolling does not apply to them.

However, because the lanes use an electronic tolling system, all vehicles using the lanes must be equipped with an EZ-Pass transponder.

EZ-Passes acquired in states other than Virginia are compatible with the 495 Express Lane system but the passes must be registered with the tolling authority to get the 100 percent discount.

To register an EZ-Pass, go to www.495expresslanes.com/transit-operators, which was created specifically for this purpose.

The website also includes maps and links to help drivers understand the new lanes and access points.

The general website, www.495expresslanes.com, contains a frequently asked questions section.

"We need all drivers to understand the requirements of traveling on the Express Lanes corridor," said John Lynch, regional transportation program director of the VDOT.

To help drivers adjust to the changes on the Beltway, the express lanes operator, VDOT and the Virginia State Police are implementing improvements near the southern end of the new lanes.

Drivers can expect to see additional colored reflectors to the channelizing posts (white barriers), updated digital message signs, extended merge areas and transitional striping. Drivers are being urged to take extra caution when driving in this area.

The 495 Express Lanes operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.