Nubo
Well-known member
Slow1 said:As I see it - Original intent of HOV lanes was to reduce the number of cars on the road (put more people in each car, fewer cars) and as incentive for those doing this, they got a 'fast lane' through the worst areas. Rather seems to make sense to me - let folks helping to reduce congestion benefit right away from their efforts and perhaps that will get more to do it and reduce congestion (original objective eh?). ...
I believe the original intent was both for congestion AND pollution reduction, and I'd wager significantly more heavily weighted to emissions reduction. I've been here for over 20 years and the convenience of its citizens has never struck me to be high on the State's priority list :lol:
The stickers have been a highly effective means of jump-starting adoption of cleaner autos. And the effect/benefit of that extends far beyond the hour-by-hour emissions on a particular stretch of congested roadway. In the context of progress towards better overall air quality, I think the HOV stickers are very effective.
It's a balancing act, to be sure. If there are so many as to eliminate the benefit of access then their value as an incentive is eliminated as well. I'm sure they must be monitoring and well aware of these issues.