People really hate this, but demand based pricing for express routes makes a lot of sense for this reason. That effectively creates clear routes for bus rapid transit and emergency vehicles which are subsidized by the high rush hour tolls.

The choices on my commute right now are to sit in traffic for almost an hour, pay $15 to use the express lane (20 minute commute), or pay $2 for the bus which uses the express lanes (35 minute commute).

I mostly ride a bike which takes about 30 minutes, but it is nice to have the bus option for when it is very cold.