The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) has announced the impending conclusion of a federal exemption that has allowed certified alternative fuel vehicles, like electric cars, to travel toll-free in the Interstate 85 high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes.
This exemption will officially expire on September 29, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Starting the following day, all electric and alternative fuel vehicles must pay tolls or meet carpool requirements through the Peach Pass Verify app to access the I-85 HOT lanes without charge.
Those carpooling with at least three verified occupants will still enjoy toll-free travel.
The adjustment is mandated by federal law under 23 U.S. Code 166(b) and specifically pertains to the I-85 HOT lanes.
It is important to note that all vehicles already pay tolls on the I-75 Northwest Corridor and I-75 South Metro Express Lanes.
However, Peach Pass certified motorcycles will continue to travel toll-free in the I-85 HOT lanes.
SRTA is encouraging owners of certified alternative fuel vehicles to ensure their Peach Pass accounts are in order before this change takes effect to avoid any possible violations.
The modification also impacts HOV lanes statewide, which will require two occupants for alternative fuel vehicles starting September 30, 2025.
To learn more about these changes, customers can call 1-855-PCH-PASS or visit the SRTA website.
In other news, the Origin Hotel Atlanta has recently opened its doors in South Downtown, offering a unique blend of modern design and Southern charm.
The boutique hotel boasts 122 rooms, a restaurant, and versatile meeting spaces alongside retail areas.
Owned by The Thrash Group and managed by Tandem Hospitality Group, the hotel aims to create an authentic experience for both visitors and locals alike.
On-site dining experiences can be enjoyed at the Social Capitol American Bistro, which is committed to serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner sourced from local ingredients.
The hotel lobby features a striking “ATL” sculpture created by Atlanta artist Phil Proctor, along with other art pieces from regional creators.
Special offers include discounts for Georgia residents, pet-friendly amenities, and in-room yoga kits, with complimentary e-bike rentals set to be introduced in the upcoming months.
Jacob Van Winkle, president of Tandem Hospitality, expressed that the hotel aims to be a launchpad for exploring the city authentically, embracing both tourists and residents.
Meanwhile, the Piedmont Park Arts Festival is set to return to Midtown Atlanta on August 16 and 17, bringing together approximately 200 artists and a variety of entertainment options.
Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, this free event will feature a showcase of painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, and other artisans.
Festival-goers can also participate in Feelgood in the Park, a two-day house and disco dance party featuring local DJs.
In addition to the art displays, there will be a children’s play area and a range of food and beverage options available.
The festival hours are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
For other local news, the College Football Hall of Fame recently awarded scholarships to five dedicated students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with each recipient receiving $5,000 for their academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
The scholarship winners include Samuel Draper, a freshman at Grambling State University; Bryson Easley, a senior from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory who will be attending Morehouse College; Olivia Germany, a sophomore at Howard University; Jordan Strange, a senior at North Atlanta High School who will be attending Alabama A&M; and Jadyn Wright, a sophomore at Jackson State University.
Applicants for the scholarship were required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and pursue a major in a STEM field, with preference given to student-athletes involved in football.
In an administrative update, Dr. Cedric Alexander has been appointed as the interim managing director of public safety for the City of South Fulton.
Alexander brings over 40 years of experience in law enforcement and public safety, with a background that includes leadership roles in Miami-Dade County, DeKalb County, and Minneapolis, where he played a crucial role in establishing the city’s first Office of Community Safety.
A former member of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, Alexander holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and is known for his commitment to community-focused policing, de-escalation strategies, and mental health crisis response initiatives.
Moreover, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is seeking public input regarding a proposed passenger rail line connecting Atlanta to Savannah, with potential stops in cities such as Athens, Statesboro, Milledgeville, Macon, and Augusta.
GDOT is conducting a survey to gather insights from prospective riders, aiming to better understand travel patterns.
The survey requires about five to ten minutes to complete and represents a chance for the public to contribute to this important transportation initiative.
Lastly, a vigil will take place on August 16 at 7 p.m. in Freedom Park, honoring the lives of over 260 journalists who have been killed since October 2023 amid the Gaza conflict.
Participants are invited to wear black and bring flowers or candles to commemorate the lives lost.
This conflict has been recognized as one of the deadliest for members of the press, surpassing the death toll for journalists in several major historical conflicts combined, according to Brown University’s Cost of War project.
Adding to community support for local agriculture, Georgia Organics has opened applications for its Farmer Accelerator Program, which offers mini-grants aimed at helping small farmers scale operations or access business planning assistance.
Farmers can apply for strategic capital grants of up to $3,000 until August 22, and coaching support grants of up to $1,000 are available until October 1.
More information about the program and the application process can be found on the Georgia Organics website.
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