ROCKVILLE, Md. - Change could be coming to Interstate 270 from Shady Grove Road in Rockville all the way to north of the City of Frederick and that change will cost commuters.

At a work session Tuesday, the Montgomery County (web | news) Council talked about its preference for expanding the congested highway. Members appeared united in wanting two additional reversible lanes. Those lanes would run southbound in the morning and then northbound for the evening rush, and they would be a toll road. The toll would vary depending on the level of congestion.

"I think they should think of something to do that wouldn't cost us any more money," said Boyds resident Christine Throne.

But Germantown resident Andrew Smith says the tolls are ok: "If it's reasonable within a family budget."

Commuter Karen Syter said, "If we need the increase in lanes, then we need it for everyone, not for the people who can afford it."

Pam Horan, a New Market resident, focused on the benefit of expanding the highway. She said, "Would mean more time at home with my children and less time sitting in traffic."

The chair of the council's transportation committee, Nancy Floreen, said the high occupancy toll lane is quickly becoming the wave of the future. The expanded lanes would be free to carpools, vans and buses. The existing lanes of I-270 would remain free of charge, though some people wonder if expanding the asphalt also means expanding the congestion.

The council Tuesday was also supposed to present its vote to the state on selecting either bus rapid transit or light rail for the Clarksburg-Derwood area. Council members are split over the issue but they're leaning toward light rail.

The final vote they'll present to the state is now set for next Tuesday.

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