ATLANTA (AP) — Gov. Nathan Deal says rates are dropping for the new High Occupancy Toll lanes on Interstate Highway 85 in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.

Deal said Thursday he's also calling for other changes that will increase utilization of the new express lanes.

The governor says that while in the short term, the rates will be lower for using the toll lanes, the rates will continue to fluctuate to regulate speed and volume.

Deal also says federal regulations for the toll lanes require a vehicle to have three occupants for the toll to be waived. He says he will seek a waiver of that rule, allowing vehicles with two occupants to travel toll-free, as is the case on High Occupancy Vehicle lanes.

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Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com