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HOV and hybrids: An unsanctioned marriage

Date published: 3/13/2009

HOV and hybrids: An unsanctioned marriage

I see once again that most of our state lawmakers just don't get it ["Hybrids may remain exempt," March 7].

The hybrid car-HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lane issue is not about gas mileage, but about the intent of HOV lane use.

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.

I do want to commend the five delegates and the two state senators for understanding this concept and voting to end this mistaken law.

I hope the other lawmakers will understand the concept someday and correct their mistaken votes.

Dennis Lindberg

Stafford



Date published: 3/13/2009



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The primary purpose of an HOV lane... (posted by bob367 , Mar. 13, 2009 5:09 pm)   
... is to increase the total number of people moved through a congested corridor by offering two kinds of incentives: a savings in travel time and a reliable and predictable travel time. (http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freewaymgmt/hovguidance/chapter2.htm). As an owner of two hybrid vehicles I do not agree with allowing them in the HOV lanes unless they are complying with the HOV rules. I intentionally did not get the clean fuel plates for this reason.

Dennis...build a bridge and get over it! (posted by JR_Ewing , Mar. 13, 2009 7:56 am)   
First of all, if you really understood the law, you'd know that only hybrids with "Clean Fuel Plates" issued prior to 1 July 2006 are the only hybrids "legally" allowed in the HOV lanes. Second, most hybrids don't emit anywhere near the emissions as 90% of the vehicles using the HOV, which is really why the HOV's were built. Emissions, not MPG. Lastly, if this bothers you so much, instead of writing an LTE, write your senator and representative in the General Assembly. I do, from the opposing position.

GBrody - didn't you know cars built after July 2006 not allowed in? (posted by Dana1 , Mar. 13, 2009 7:53 am)   
All later hybrids not included. Hybrid haters should not let jealousy get in the way of the facts. Go after the cheaters - NOT the law abiding citizens.

The exemption should've expired (posted by GBrody , Mar. 13, 2009 7:24 am)   
the day the furst Yukon hybrid rolled off the assembly line.

Wait until HOT Lanes Dennis - Hybrids least of your worries - YOU get ready to pay & thank Howell (posted by Dana1 , Mar. 13, 2009 7:18 am)   
You think you're mad now...If you are an HOV/3 for free rider now - you are about to get screwed. Fine print in the contract with Fleur says that to have an HOV/3 free prvilege, when the circulating HOV/3 cars goes over 24% at any one time, the Commonwealth agrees to pay Fleur the full toll costs for all HOV/3 over 24%. We cannot afford this. When we default on our toll pymts we have violated the contract and poof - the HOV/3 free agreement is null & void. This was a gimmick to suck in commuter support.

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