golfcart
Well-known member
VDOT has recently decided to convert the reversible HOV lanes in Norfolk, VA to HOT lanes (demand based tolls) at the end of the year.
http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/hampton_roads/2016/hov_lanes_in_norfolk108290.asp
http://pilotonline.com/news/local/transportation/hov-lanes-on-i--to-become-hot-lanes-drivers/article_e37f9577-fbd9-574a-9f6d-71f06fd56a12.html
I agree generally that this is a much better use of the asset, the lanes are underutilized currently and enforcement is so poor that I'd say 80% of the people I see in the lanes don't belong there anyways. It always seems silly to me when there is a 5 mile backup in the regular lanes that the HOV is generally empty that traffic can't be diverted to the HOV lanes.
That said, I can't help but be a little irritated that there is currently no plan to grandfather hybrids and EV's that were purchased before this announcement to continue using the lane for free the way that carpoolers will still be able to (given that we maintain our $25 a year special fuel license plate). One of the reasons I got the leaf was that it entitled me to access the HOV lanes during any hours of the day. I am sure I am not alone in this.
What do y'all think? Is there any reasonable expectation that the state should maintain these privileges for us since we made our vehicle investment with a certain set of incentives present? Or is it reasonable for them to just change the rules at any point given the nature of government and the fact that laws change all the time?
http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/hampton_roads/2016/hov_lanes_in_norfolk108290.asp
http://pilotonline.com/news/local/transportation/hov-lanes-on-i--to-become-hot-lanes-drivers/article_e37f9577-fbd9-574a-9f6d-71f06fd56a12.html
I agree generally that this is a much better use of the asset, the lanes are underutilized currently and enforcement is so poor that I'd say 80% of the people I see in the lanes don't belong there anyways. It always seems silly to me when there is a 5 mile backup in the regular lanes that the HOV is generally empty that traffic can't be diverted to the HOV lanes.
That said, I can't help but be a little irritated that there is currently no plan to grandfather hybrids and EV's that were purchased before this announcement to continue using the lane for free the way that carpoolers will still be able to (given that we maintain our $25 a year special fuel license plate). One of the reasons I got the leaf was that it entitled me to access the HOV lanes during any hours of the day. I am sure I am not alone in this.
What do y'all think? Is there any reasonable expectation that the state should maintain these privileges for us since we made our vehicle investment with a certain set of incentives present? Or is it reasonable for them to just change the rules at any point given the nature of government and the fact that laws change all the time?