Hybrids on California HOV Lanes Okayed
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Hybrids on California HOV Lanes Okayed
A transportation bill signed Wednesday by President Bush includes a provision by Congressman Brad Sherman that cleared the way for California to allow hybrid vehicles on High Occupancy Vehicle lanes.
"This gives California a way to ease freeway congestion and promote the use of more fuel-efficient cars," Sherman said.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Wednesday that it was moving ahead with plans to issue special stickers to owners of hybrid vehicles that would allow them to drive in HOV lanes with only one person in the car.
"This gives California a way to ease freeway congestion and promote the use of more fuel-efficient cars," Sherman said.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Wednesday that it was moving ahead with plans to issue special stickers to owners of hybrid vehicles that would allow them to drive in HOV lanes with only one person in the car.
the_13th_saint
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 18
From: CA
Hybrid_SUV_Owner
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 138
Re: Hybrids on California HOV Lanes Okayed
Just wait...although it sounds GREAT, Californians will soon find themselves in the same situation as we have here in N. VA. Everyone will rush out to buy that Priuis or Honda Civic Hybrid. Then no one will want to carpool. Then.....the HOV lanes will be clogged with single driver hybrids. Kinda' defeats the purpose of HOV lanes, don't it?
BTW, a study last year found that at certain times of the day...it actually takes MORE time because of congestion(primarily b/c of the hybrid exception) in the HOV lanes than the regular traffic lanes on I-395 into DC!
Another consequence will be a shortage of hybrids and thus higher prices as everyone rushes out to buy a Prius so they can use the HOV lanes.
That's why VA's HOV exemption will expire next summer.
Nate Green
BTW, a study last year found that at certain times of the day...it actually takes MORE time because of congestion(primarily b/c of the hybrid exception) in the HOV lanes than the regular traffic lanes on I-395 into DC!
Another consequence will be a shortage of hybrids and thus higher prices as everyone rushes out to buy a Prius so they can use the HOV lanes.
That's why VA's HOV exemption will expire next summer.
Nate Green
Hybrid_SUV_Owner
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Posts: 138
Re: Hybrids on California HOV Lanes Okayed
BTW, If you really want to be friendly to the environment...you'd "slug" to work! Check this out: http://www.slug-lines.com/Index.htm
Nate
Nate
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Re: Hybrids on California HOV Lanes Okayed
Also... don't get to excited... There are a LOT of new hybrids that don't qualify: Ford Escape, Honda Accord, Toyota Highlander.... If the hybrid car is new it not only has to be hybrid, it has to have epa mpg of 45mpg or greater.
FEH Advocate
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 68
From: Ventura, CA
Re: Hybrids on California HOV Lanes Okayed
Originally Posted by katie
Also... don't get too excited... There are a LOT of new hybrids that don't qualify: Ford Escape, Honda Accord, Toyota Highlander.... If the hybrid car is new it not only has to be hybrid, it has to have epa mpg of 45mpg or greater.
Could it be that Ford/Mercury uses greener engines than Toyota/Lexus & Honda?
See http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm
-Dan
Last edited by Gillman; Aug 16, 2005 at 10:45 AM.
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