A program that began in 1999 to encourage more electric car ownership is set to expire next year without Congressional and state action.
Starting in September 2025, California carpool lanes will only be open to actual carpools, barring hybrid, electric, and compressed natural gas vehicles.
Writing in the San Francisco Chronicle, Michael Cabanatuan notes that extending the program would require action from both the U.S. Congress and the state legislature. “John Goodwin, a commission spokesperson, said it seems unlikely that the current Congress, with its antipathy toward California as well as electric cars, will authorize the extension of a program intended to promote the sales of alternative fuel vehicles.”
Since 1999, ‘clean air’ vehicles have been allowed to use California carpool lanes regardless of the number of passengers. Today, a total of 411,133 vehicles have the permit, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. But with more electric vehicles hitting the road, congestion in carpool lanes, in some cases, rivals that in regular lanes.
FULL STORY: Why some vehicles are set to lose access to carpool lanes in California
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Starting in 2026, You Can Charge Your EV at Waffle House
The 24-hour chain infamous for brawls and, to a lesser extent, waffles plans to install fast-chargers at many of its locations.
US Senate Reverses California EV Mandate
The state planned to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, a goal some carmakers deemed impossible to meet.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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