Delegegates Betray Us - Extend Hybrids

letter in Fredericksburg newspaper. Right ON!


Once again the General Assembly has extended the law allowing hybrid vehicles to use HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants [Legislators extend hybrid HOV break, but cut off car registration, March 12].

Hybrids are a great advancement, and I hope this trend of improving fuel economy and helping the environment continues.

I just do not support hybrids being allowed in the HOV lanes.

HOV lanes were developed to minimize commuter vehicles by promoting carpooling, while also improving fuel efficiency and reducing pollution.

Allowing low-occupant hybrid vehicles in these lanes defeats the purpose of HOV lanes.

Instead, it motivates individuals to be selfish and simply pay extra to avoid the hassle of carpooling (as HOT lanes would do)--hence the reason hybrids have more than doubled in the past 18 months.

Nearly every hybrid in the HOV lanes is driver-only.

Hybrid owners argue they should get this privilege because their vehicles get better fuel efficiency or are "clean."

A driver-only hybrid may get 50 mpg, but the average nonhybrid vehicle gets about 30 mpg.

Considering that nonhybrid vehicles transport three or more passengers, their real fuel efficiency is equivalent to 90 mpg.

Also, while hybrids may run cleaner, the additional cars in HOV lanes are slowing all traffic and causing more pollution from nonhybrids.

Allowing hybrids also represents discrimination against lower income people who cannot afford hybrids. The government already gives a $2,000 tax credit for hybrid owners that is benefit enough.

One last hope is the Federal Highway Administration. Last year it threatened to take away highway funds if hybrids were not excluded from HOV lanes.

If Virginia cannot act in the best interest of the majority of its citizens, maybe the FHA can do the right thing.

Bob - so it seems logical that you also favor excluding motorcycles from the express lanes during HOV hours. True?