Do hybrids belong in High Occupancy Vehicle lanes? Not according to one citizen, who wrote to his newspaper about his state’s laws.
One car with one occupant in the HOV lanes during restricted times does not help to reduce the number of cars on the road.
Reducing car numbers equals both fuel savings and a reduction in road congestion. This is what HOV lanes were designed to do. It’s not a ’selling point’ for a type of car.
Do you agree?
That said, I agree with the writer in that me in my car, alone in the HOV lane doesn't reduce congestion. Calif. privilege does expire, tho can't say when. Until then, I will continue to take advantage of the privilege.
I'm no great help in that lane because I get in that lane and putt along at 64 mph while the lane generally zips along at 70. So, perhaps I am serving a higher purpose.
I'd say that the objective is both easing congestion and easing gas consumption - and as such there is a motive to allow single occupancy hybrids in the HOV lanes. As the numbers of hybrids grow (through whatever incentives), they will also be available for carpooling....