Carpool Lanes

Single occupant electric vehicles retained access to carpool lanes in California, while hybrid owners lost it on July 1st.

In Sept. 2005, eligible hybrid vehicles could use CA carpool lanes with only one occupant as an incentive to purchase them. The expiration date was extended by legislation twice, but DMV assures the 85,000 yellow decal owners it ends July 1.

The addition of a 10-mile carpool lane to one of Los Angeles' busiest freeways is creating a huge stress on the region's transportation system.

What do you get when you designate a carpool lane on a toll road for hybrids and carpoolers? A 'green' lane, say Illinois planners. However, they still pay the toll. Now add a "HOT lane overlay" to it - solo drivers can use it for a 'premium'.

Commuters in Sydney, Australia are risking fines rather than waiting in traffic. Along one stretch of highway, over 1000 cheaters were documented in just one hour.