There are some upgrade works on the Monash free way section at the moment which have caused some minor delays. However, there really is no quicker way to get out to the eastern suburbs or from the City to the Airport.

Its better value if you use the tolls regularly with an eTAG. However, day passes cover unlimited trips for 24 hours or for a weekend (midday Friday till midnight Sunday) for a flat rate, which was $12.15 last time I checked. If you need to go back and forth more than once then this really is a bargain considering the saving in fuel. If you have an eTAG you can still buy a day pass, but you need to leave the tag at home or put it in the metallic bag in which it is supplied, or else it may still be detected and charged. Seek advise from toll way staff if unsure. They had long waiting times on the phone before, but that seems to have improved a lot in the last few days.

Peak hour can be congested, but just think how much worse that is on roads with traffic lights.