2 minute Read: Not too many years ago, METRO EXPRESS LANES decided to DC (DisContinue) their Toll Booth system of charging Drivers for using Toll roads. They went high tech and "WHALLA", the TRANSPONDER came into use. For those not familiar with METRO EXPRESS LANES & Transponders, it's simply a modern & efficient way of letting Drivers use Toll Roads, Diamond Lanes, HOV LANES, Toll Bridges, etc., w/o the need to stop at a TOLL BOOTH. On the Metro Express website*, you can open & establish an account*. You will be sent a small electronic transponder that mounts on your (front) car windshield. Once set up, the transponder will keep tract of your usage, when you are in express lanes, toll bridges (etc) and won't need to worry. NOW, about yesterday, we were driving a Loaner (car) as our car was in for routine maintenance. We drove to Orange County but forgot we weren't driving our regular, transponder equipped car. JWe wound up using express lanes two or three times, but came to realize we had no transponder. That was yesterday. Today I called Metro Express Lanes and a beautiful voiced girl answered my call. Her name was (is) Kaliyah. I explained the issue, about not having my transponder, etc. She listened patiently, while my mouth was going off. When I was done, she (very professionally) already had the solution to what I could expect, for using the express lanes without my transponder. She was very precise, courteous, patient and kind, as she detailed what could be done, Well needless to tell you, Karliah subdued my anxiety and guilt, faster than You can spit! Whatever I incurred in Toll charges, will be deducted from the established account I've had since Metro Express Lanes went transponder high tech. Go sign up and DRIVE SAFELY. I don't want to see you make the Evening News Headlines! * You can sign up at this link: https://www.metroexpresslanes.net/ read more

I've been getting bills in the mail claiming that I've been evading tolls. The bills show a lisence plate that is not mine and I never use the express lanes. I've sent letters back disputing these charges and the dispute was denied!!! I called and all they want to do is sell you stuff and then you are required to pay $1.95 for help. The only way to get help is to give them your card info. Awful. read more

One of the few government (?) agencies where I feel pretty good every time I deal with them. Today, they couldn't even help me, but they put me down very gentle and I was OK. I was trying to pay an account under my hubby's name, which has a credit card linked for auto pay, so we didn't realize when it went to negative balance, locking us out of online account to see what the problem was. So I had come by the office to pay. But it turns out if the if you're not the main account holder, you better be added, as an authorized user, to do anything on or for the account. They explained this to me, and I understood. I called my hubby, who was in a meeting and could not call in to add me as an authorized user right away, so I had to go back home. But they were still nice to me and I left making sure I shut the door gently behind me. I've come here a few times when things couldn't be solved online and each time, whether I get my issue solved or not, I feel treated kindly and fairly, which is everything I can ask for. I come mid mornings, and there is almost no wait either, and plenty of easy parking with easy access to the office. read more

Metro Express Lanes - Front of the building entrance - Public Transportation Near Me - Torrance, California

Great experience both over the phone and in person. Didn't know or remembered that I have acct with them for yrs before I open the toll road 5yrs ago. And I have $$ in the account but they charged monthly fee so it ate up all and went negative. Got letter and call them and they helped to solve the issue...very friendly and helpful and since I was in the neighborhood, stopped by to shown some ID and got it resolved & closed up the acct and get $$ back prior to the monthly applied. The office is easy to find and easy parking since it has big parking lot. Went in and checking through kiosk and within a min l, got called and went to window to get issue resolved. Easy fast & with friendly service. read more

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I tried adding my car online and wasn't able and it resulted in many fines and I tried calling to Pay and both times i made payments I was not made aware the first time that I needed to add my car there and then after paying outstanding fines and of course it resulted in more fines!!!! When I called they did not make me aware of exactly how many fines I really had and now I'm stuck with an insane amount of fees! Mind you I use the express lane because I carpool so I wasn't even suppose to pay those tolls. They are honestly the worse! read more

Fuck this shit. 9 dollar processing fee for a lane I went into on accident because the fuck ass exit made me go into the lane by default? Fuck you like genuinely what the fuck. Actually need to abolish this stupid lane system. Like it probably wastes good tax payer dollars to have this shit and it genuinely makes more traffic exist. read more

Absolute scum of a company. Served notices to wrong address, resulting in over $50 of late fees, then proceeds to blatantly lie, refuse to escalate me to a supervisor, or compensate in any way. Now I have to pay filing fees to escalate the case, since these people are scammers. read more

LAME They can shove this stupid little device with the slider where the sun dont shine. I had Fastrak for years, used all over CA, now all of sudden $80 in toll evasions. F Fastrak, and especially F meteroexpress. read more

Tanya Williams saved the day!!!!!!!!!!! She helped me so much! She was HELPFUL, KIND, PATIENT and so funny. She brightened up my day! Got everything taken care of and didn't rush me. BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!! read more

Got my limited-edition, 12th-anniversary, black transponder! It was easy to check in, using the iPad. Then, just wait for your turn. The staff is friendly, helpful, informative & efficient. read more

Metro Express Lanes - Got my limited-edition, 12th-anniversary, black transponder! - Public Transportation Near Me - Torrance, California

Your website is horrible and it makes no sense. I click pay now, nothing happens, so I click again. You're gonna tell me if I click multiple times you will charge me multiple transactions?? Fucking stupid. Additionally, I'm trying to navigate your website but it's not organized at all and you've got unnecessary pop up ads and games interrupting the process making it impossible to pay. It's slow, glitchy, and doesn't even work. read more

The phone support team agents are not able to understand English! They keep overcharging company is a fraudulent company! They keep overcharging and adding hidden fees to service user drivers! Ill proof and will SUE them read more

I feel like we should be reviewing the staff at Metro express. I think some of the grievances here are just about having to pay the toll. I had a problem with my account, which was my fault. I called and the person on the other end of the line could not have been any nicer. I wish I could remember her name! That always happens to me! But if management sees this, I called today 02/04/2026 at about 3:50 PM and I talked about my account with an absolutely LOVELY young woman. My account number ends in 060. If you want me to call leave a response. Thank you!! read more

A despicable and deplorable place of business. How are you gonna falsely charge me 90 cents but the process fee is $8.00??? Just to pay?! I even disputed it and these incompetent workers still denied it! Nothing but a bunch of scammers! I will surely be reporting them to the higher ups. read more

Customer service is horrible in person, just call. In person they are rude and dismiss concerns, i'd give zero stars if I could. Metro Expresslanes charges such excessive tolls, in the span of 40 days we were charged $400 for ONE car. Not to mention an extra $60 in "toll violation" when the service was used the first day. Though online it stated it could be used with just a license. Customer service was explained this and dismissed me though I had proof. This whole service is a scam. As a prior review mentioned, remove your cards to avoid constant charges. read more

Jasmine helped me out so much today her and whoever the supervisor/manager thank you so much for helping me. I had a huge mistake that I made. Not realizing my account was deactivated. I really don't pay attention to things and I have a lot of fines/penalties on multiple vehicles, when I walked in, I had all my transponders in a plastic bag trying to figure out a way that I was going to get to and from work moving forward they were able to work with me and have created a customer for life I still had to pay the penalties, but a payment arrangement was worked out and that is so much better having good customer service and people makes all the difference in the world thank you Jasmine for taking the time calling managers, etc. and getting me back on fast track :-) happy new year cheers to a bright 2024 ; ) read more

I had a really good experience with their Customer Service line. I fell delinquent on my account, and the guy helping me was really kind, clear and efficient. read more

Shout out to Portia! She was so kind and had a very warm and happy spirit. She explained the process of returning my transponder and being refunded in detail while ensuring great customer service. What a sweetheart read more

I had great customer service I had a really nice receptionist very pretty and professional. I got it fast it was everything was electrolytic. Nice process and a bathroom for disabled people great read more

Metro Express Lanes - I am in the lobby waiting for my name to be called that is the waiting list and a television - Public Transportation Near Me - Torrance, California

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My cousin had told us that we needed to update our Transponder with the newer ones that just came out. I went in, no other person in line, the staff behind the counter looked up my account, saw I had 9 vehicles listed and 3 transponder. She explain how the exchange system works and then asked me how many transponders I would like. Since I have 9 vehicles, sharing the account with my entire family LOL I asked for 7 transponder. They are smaller and I was informed that they will not beep like the older ones and the staff reminded me how to properly installed the new transponder. I had no idea this office was here considering I have been a metroexpress customer for almost 10 years now. I'm learning something new every day. read more

Went in to exchange an old and defective transponder. My transaction was quick and painless. The issues come from the staff having to explain the same thing over and over to the other customers. The representative I talked to had spent the previous 15 minutes, explaining the same thing to their previous customer over and over again. Payment methods, how much the auto refill is, if you have a card on file you can come here to pay, etc.. She must have explained everything 5 times and the person said they would have to come back when they had some money. Give they a break, they are doing the best they can. read more

I had to go in and do some changes to my vehicles and I had the most lovely young lady who was so helpful and made everything so quick and easy I would just like to say a big thank you to Porshia s. This a very friendly and helpful office. read more

I took off work. I asked to speak to the department manager. I have several MAX charges on my account for exiting at Adams Blvd at the 110N exit. I have had this same problem before.! I was told that the transponder read ONE when I went through several reads as well as checked the transponders and they are all set on TWO.! This exit, this max toll charge cannot just be incorrectly reading for my account.! I emailed the manager and HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE YET! I've even called and was told by Kristin that she or the supervisor was not authorized to refund any charges and that she would notate the account and have a manager call me. NOTHING.! Again I feel I have BEEN RIPPED ON/CHEATED. And there has not been anyone from your upper management department respond.! I am almost certain there are many other customers with my same issue. Please HELP. read more

I was recently given the responsibility of overseeing our fleet of company cars in three offices. For some reason the individuals who had this responsibility before me created two separate accounts instead of keeping all the cars under one account. Over the past three days I probably made more than a dozen calls to Customer Service asking questions about setting up my account and merging the two accounts into one. With each call I made, I was getting more stressed while everyone I talked to were very helpful and not once did I hear any irritation in their voices as they were helping me get my account set up. I am grateful to all the people I talked to who helped me get my account created. read more

MEL operates the toll roads on the 110 & 10 freeways in LA. The Toll Roads operates the toll roads in OC & IE. It used to make sense to have a separate transponder for the 110 when it was free for a car w/ carpool lane stickers. However, MEL changed that policy. In addition, the Toll Roads went from transponders that could be used for multiple vehicles, to stickers for each vehicle, it didn't make sense to have two accts. I requested my MEL to be closed in mid-June. I received notice right away that my account had been closed. However, in late July I still had not received a refund of the $46.57 balance in my acct. I sent another letter. In early Aug, I receive a letter stating that I will be receiving a check or reversal to my credit card. In late Aug I receive a check for $6.57, and a $40 reversal. Stooooopid!!!!! Why the fuk did it take over two months to process a refund, and why the fuk did MEL send me a check and a reversal?!?!?!?!?! This is just another example of incompetent peeps at a quasi-governmental org. The peeps running MEL couldn't survive in the private sector operating w/ such idiotic inefficiency. read more

I came here to take care of a dumb ticket and was prepared for battle. And how did they greet me??? With a free ceramic Metro mug, Metro drink travel container, AND Metro post it notes....WHAAAAT??? But wait, there''s more. The lovely young lady, Patrice, that greeted me was so attentive, friendly, and energetic, I had to wonder whether I was in the correct place. I mean, when Patrice wasn't talking to someone, she's wiping down seats and counters w antibacterial wipes. WTH? I'm just in awe! I started chatting with the woman next to me because I had to confirm I wasn't seeing things. My friendly neighbor confirmed. As if on cue, Patrice floated by to tell my neighbor she hadn't forgotten her. They just had printer problems so it's taking longer than expected. Now when someone is as attentive as Patrice, how can you be mad? I smiled the entire time I was there and still smiling as I write this. I sat there waiting and I'm hoping the people at the window do not spoil this 5 star rating. At the window, Flor assisted me. Guess what? It was Flor's birthday and I felt like I hit the jackpot. Flor made some magic happen so my ticket turned into just the toll which was $0.35!!! WTH? WTH is apparently turning out to be the theme of this review. So WTH, I walked out w two transponders so I can happily give Metro more money. Keep up the good work, Metroexpresslanes! read more

Great service over the phone. Rep was switched on and very polite. Happy with the service.

I'm surprised as hell that I'm giving them 5 stars, but in all honesty, they surprised the hell out of me, too. I went here expecting to raise hell and I didn't even have to raise my voice. Backstory: I received a ticket in the mail because I had crossed over the FasTrak line for a second to go around someone literally going 40mph in the fast lane, with no traffic. I went around them when the lane opened, but ended up crossing back over when the line went solid. Who would have thought that you'd get a fucking ticket for that, but hey...I did. Well, the information with the ticket said that if I had a transponder, I could just link it to my truck and they would just charge whatever the fare was for that day. Otherwise, I can open an account and back date it for before the date on the ticket, put $40 on my transponder and then the ticket disappears. Well who would opt to pay the ticket?? Certainly not me, so I went ahead and opened an account, something I've been meaning to do since they started this FasTrak shit. I received my transponder in the mail and even used it a few times. My reason for going in was because I received another ticket with a higher amount because they said I hadn't taken care of it. I could have called and taken care of it over the phone, but I'm old school. I like to do as much in person as I can. I called their 800 number and followed the prompts to get the address for one of their walk in centers. I was so glad that they had one in the Harbor Gateway area. Parking is a little tricky and they do not have signage on the street. It's located on Figueroa and 190th Street, but the parking is located on Figueroa and it's a couple driveways down from the corner, which can be confusing. The parking area is shared for this building and a smaller office building behind it; just FYI, so chances are, you are in the right place. The entrance is located up the outer stairs, past the fountain. Their lobby is small, but there are two windows with clerks to help you. The guy who helped me seemed to be training, but he was very courteous and professional. He listened to me explain why I was there and proceeded to find out what happened. The reason I got a second ticket was because somehow the last digit on my license plate was transposed. He quickly fixed that and cancelled the ticket, updating the information. I recently sold my truck, so he also removed it from my account and advised me to update my account with my new car, when I get it. Better than expected service! If you want to open an account and get a transponder, be prepared for a little less of a user friendly interface if you do it online. The system seems a little archaic to me, so you may be better off going into one of the walk in centers and filling out an application and immediately getting your transponder. They also have programs for those who are low income and those receiving EBT benefits, but you have to go in for that. It can't be done online. read more

Metro Express Lanes - Small and quaint lobby area - Public Transportation Near Me - Torrance, California

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MyTransponder has not been working properly because when I set my device to 3 with my 2 other passengers present, my statement shows a full charge for 1 driver only and racked up $$. Employee stated transponders prior to 2014 probably needs new batteries now. Come in for new transponders with new batteries. They can only remove the erroneous charges going back 30 days also, so check your statement and contact them right away to remove extra charges. They gave me all new transponders swapping out my old ones. Easy parking in lot. Corner of 190th and Figueroa. read more

Pretty clean and organized well almost organized. Went in after work to return a transponder so took a number and sat. Was there like 20 minutes and my number was next and another couple walked in grabbed a number and 5 minutes later a window was empty and the couple just walked up to the window without a number being called and the person at the windiest just started taking care of them I approached them and said hey my number was next and the couple said oh we where here earlier. Lol an educated response so I said I was here last year. The employee just contacted in helping them ignoring me. So I just said nothing more and waited fir the next window which took a minute. And I smiled and remembered some people are arrogant and selfish. Then smiled even more because they have no idea that one day Karma will catch up. Big fail on customer service and respect. read more

It is a requirement for all drivers on the various toll roads. It is hard to contact with but the staff is always polite & helpful.

Ok its covid. Their excuse was only 2 people working. Before or after covid, they never have more than 2 ppl working at the window. Waited almost one hour just to update and pay my dues. Well, not so express i guess. This is the spot where you just have to suck it up like the line at DMV. Bring phone, books, whatever you can get you mind occupied while waiting. Takes about 15 mnts per person read more

Metro Express Lanes - Public Transportation Near Me - Torrance, California

I got charges of 23.65 over a period of months for being in the HOV lane during heavy traffic. It was explained to me that rates go up depending on traffic, I knew that. This arbitrary amount is the SAME on every single one of these charges. If traffic varies significantly why is this charge identical? Shouldn't it vary also? As I mentioned, the dates are arbitrary. Sometimes it's around $5 or $7, but jumping to $23? There is nothing on the billboard informing a driver of this and the sign is often impossible to read anyway when entering on Manchester. Lesson learned, I'm never using the lanes again. Such a rip off. read more

i worked in the icu the whole pandemic, when everything was crazy i was still going in to save lives. now im being hit with $14,000 of toll fees from during the pandemic that they claim they saved for me and releasing now. how do they think i will pay this !? and now i can not register my vehicle. read more

Torrance live office location. In the past i have usually dealt with citations not being picked up by my transponder via phone and the customer service has being great, worth the long on hold wait. Today I decided to go in live since I happened to be down the street from there. Doesn't anyone Remenber the horrible customer service at DMV in the 90's? This was by far worst! First only 3 attendants lines were open and 10 customers in line waiting for our turn, and in between customers they was a break from the next customer being called up. Is this a requirement to take a break in between customer for up to 5 minutes. everyone witnessed the condensing and RUDE way those being helped were being spoken to, yes they have loud speakers to the rest of us could hear everyone's business. 2 particular customers were elderly and could have used someone patient loving care customer service on their end, I witnessed one state she left her license in the car and asked if she could go get it and come back to the front of the line , she was told no. She offered and recited her licensed number, produced the citation letter, and the credit card with her name on it. She explained to your rep. she had waited 45 minutes in line. He said no. I saw the lady leave your office in tears Remember we could all hear the interacting from the metro express lanes reps on the overhead speakers I had a LA pD police officer in line behind me and he shaking his head in disagreement over what we all in the lobby had just witnessed. Your staff needs some major retraining or replacing. It is obvious they hate their job, have no prior experience or have no compassion. Seeing that elderly lady being mistreated n leave crying left a mark for all of us witnessing. THERE is no excuse for the treatment all customers experience today at your Torrance Hamilton Avenue location. Is this the daily status quo ? Metro express management, just looks at the video taken between 2 and 245pm. It will validate what we all witnessed today. Once you viewed let us know If that's what your agency wants to be know for... Thank you read more

I had a pleasant visit to the Metro Express lanes office to set up an account. The young lady that helped me was so nice, pleasant, and spoke with enthusiasm with everyone. Her name was Lizzie and I really appreciated how informative she was with telling me all that I needed to know as a new account holder. Shout out to her for proving that great customer service still exist. read more

Wish they would get rid of Metro Expresslanes. Problems galore: 1 - You get in the lane and traffic gets backed up and slower than "free" lanes because some idiot decides he or she wants to chit chat on a cell phone and drive 45 mph and not care everyone behind is blowing their horns and flashing their lights; 2 - Then there are the "I paid so I can drive 100 mph idiots" who will tailgate you 12" away even if you're going 80 mph - and did I mention the motorcycle riders who swerve around cars, in and out of the Express Lanes, just enticing people to lose control and have accidents; 3 - Then there are the Suicide Nuts who cross the double double lines into the Express Lanes and cut off cars going high speed. Even worse are those who will come to a COMPLETE STOP in the Express Lanes so they can illegally exit over the double lines that seem to invite violations; 4- Then there are the buses that go 30 mph in the Express Lanes holding everyone else up who has pid $5, $10 or more to travel "faster." It's a joke. 5- The transponders with switch - good grief everyone should pay the same. And no freebies for HOV or motorcycles or electric vehicles. Prices should come down (or not increase) if everyone paid. 6 - Customer service is BEYOND a joke - it doesn't exist. I can almost never download my monthly statements. Almost always get error messages. Their computer system must be run by nincompoops. In the past year I have had to call them over 100 times about inability to retrieve my monthly statements. Can never speak to technical people - just lip-service people with headphones who are paid to take money for violations and nothing else. No customer service. read more

I have the transponder when they first started FastTrack. Many many moons ago. There's times when the transponder gets read and sometimes it doesn't. My car license plate is on the account so if they had a good system I shouldn't be charge if transponder cannot be read. I got charged on top of that they charge an additional $31.60 and I called them and they can't even explained that charge but stated it's "rush hour" like how? It was on Sunday morning drive at 10am, what rush hour? Just because the transaction gets posted the following day?!?! On the 10fwy west from El Monte to the 710 you'll get scanned twice. So I got charged twice. They were able to remove the $31.60 but the other 2 charges they can't, which makes no sense. They stated only one courtesy reversal per statement but that's not fair if your transponder did not work, and I had 5 ppl in the car so metro just takes your money just because they only can reverse one transaction. So my other charge for $2.45 from 10 west to Del Mar and $0.60 from Del Mar to 710 fwy are to pocketed by Metro. This sounds like a good lawsuit case for scamming out your money due to defective transponder. If anyone has a case, please let me know. I have multiple times they just taken my money from my account. read more

The 10W Freeway Entrance on Del Mar Ave, as many have said, does not give sufficient time, warning, or visibility to the driver an indication that it is an expressway entrance only, until you basically are trapped in it/unable to turn out. I usually take New Ave to get on the freeway but I was close to Del Mar Ave and decided to take that route instead this time (I don't think I've ever used this entrance before). I see the ramp and as I pull up closer, I see the damn expressway sign only to be unable to turn out as there was someone behind me and insufficient space on the side. I hate these expresslanes and think they're the filthiest of filth. They steal 2 lanes that were rightfully the public's and push for further inequality between classes. I don't know how this is a good idea other than the rich and Metro. Traffic is already bad and now they want to discriminate those who aren't the best off financially. I don't think they'll be going away but they should at least add more signs to the aforementioned freeway ramp because that's just sneaky underhanded BS. You have a really small window of time to get out of that lane before you're trapped on a one way ramp. Screw these expresslanes and the people behind it and their underhanded tricks. I'll gladly sign any petition to have it removed. read more

They sent me a $4.85 toll charge violation. I was positive I never drove on a toll road but still paid it cuz I didnt have time to deal with it. Now, 5 months later, I just got a refund on my Credit card. Totally surprised. Looks like they realised they made a mistake and made it right. Props to them for that. read more