With nearly 100 views and no help from anyone, let me offer the following:
Switch to Apple Maps. I am sure you have good reason for using Google, but in the off-chance that it is just an old habit for you, try Maps. It offers alternate routes that avoid tolls (at least in the SF Bay Area). I was also pleasantly surprised with its ability to "sense" a situation when it said aloud to me "You have arrived at your destination, but park and be prepared to walk" (or words to that effect).
