HOV to HOT Lanes

Below is part of an article that appeared in today's Washington Post and perhaps will become an issue in the future. In my opinion, this would not be good for slugging. What are your thoughts?
(To read the full article go to www.washingtonpost.com or B1 of the newspaper)

Va. Willing to Study Toll Lanes' Potential

By Katherine Shaver
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 16, 2003; Page B01

Northern Virginia motorists have moved a step closer to being able to buy their way out of traffic. With a regional endorsement yesterday, Virginia is seeking $1 million in federal money to study whether to allow lone drivers to pay a toll to use free-moving carpool lanes. The lanes would be studied for highways such as Interstate 66 inside the Capital Beltway, parts of Interstate 95 and the Dulles Toll Road.

The idea of high-occupancy toll, or "HOT," lanes has surfaced in the Washington region before, but it has never gotten a thorough look. This would be the first time Northern Virginia has studied it. Maryland planned to consider the idea for Route 50's new carpool lanes, but Gov. Parris N. Glendening (D) killed it in 2001, saying HOT lanes were unfair to lower-income drivers.

The region's Transportation Planning Board endorsed Virginia's application for the federal money yesterday. The vote was purely symbolic, but the fact that public officials even discussed the possibility of charging people for traffic relief represents a stark shift from the tepid political support HOT lanes have had locally.

Even the influential AAA, which loudly criticized the idea just 18 months ago, now supports examining HOT lanes as a way to generate badly needed money. It is one of the few potential traffic solutions on which the AAA, highway officials and environmentalists agree.

Motorists who have an electronic transponder on their vehicles, similar to Virginia's Smart Tag, can enter the carpool lane. A variable message sign tells them the going rate at that time. Tolls can change every five minutes or so, rising as the lanes become more crowded. Motorists are charged the toll in effect when they entered the HOT lane. If the carpool lane starts getting too crowded, highway officials raise the toll, hoping to improve traffic flow. The toll rates in California vary from about 75 cents to about $4 during the morning and evening rush. The tolls are automatically deducted from the transponders. Charging more during peak times encourages people to drive at off-peak times, traffic experts say.

Its a terrible idea! I feel it would have just the opposie effect as that touted by those who want the $ it MAY generate. Anyway, in effect they are already "HOT" lanes for those violators who happen to get caught. Who do we write too to complain about the idea?

We would probably end up with more traffice in the HOV than regular lanes.I think the HOV-4 and extension sounds good. Good for slugging too.

I agree - the toll idea is terrible. It will just conjest the hov lanes and kill slugging. Bottom line - more cars on the road - less per passenger milage. Time for a letter to Ms. Mcquigg

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS????? [:0]

I can't imagine there is anyone who uses the Slugging System (Driver or Slug) who would want this to happen. I think we have to be alert and voice our opinions LOUDLY on this Issue!!!! Doesn't this HOT idea go against the Federal mandates to reduce traffic in Metropolitan Areas? I guess Energy Conservation (and congestion problems) become a non-issue when you've got the Almighty $$$ up against it! Everyone has their price don't they?

To me this is a simple case of poor management (and possibly misappropriated funds), the same as when they raise taxes, I always think that's a laughable concept. Wouldn't it be nice if WE had the power to NOT pay taxes when we ran over our personal budgets...wouldn't that be Fun. "Ooops, can't pay that tax this year, just don't have the funds!" [:D]

Anyway, let's stay alert and make a collaborative effort to squash this idea fast! Personally I don't care what happens with the other HOV lanes, most don't really work well anyway (I-66 HOV is a joke), BUT I-95/395 work Great, so let's not let the politicians screw up a good thing.

Let's get organized and make sure we stop this before it gets started!

Love-to-Slug