California's Carpool Lanes Struggling To Meet Demand

"A Caltrans study found that during the evening rush hour nearly one-third of carpool-lane miles do not meet federal minimum standards, which require that the lanes flow at speeds of 45 mph or faster at rush hour."

"The findings come amid a growing concern among transportation officials and motorists that the state's 1,350 miles of carpool lanes are losing their effectiveness as a tool to encourage ride-sharing."

"Over the last three decades, adding carpool lanes to ease congestion has been the dominant reason for widening freeways. Much of the $4.5 billion earmarked this year from a voter-approved state infrastructure bond measure will go to fund additional carpool lanes on freeways, including the 405, 57, 215 and 5. Ultimately, the state wants to build an additional 950 miles of carpool lanes."

"Caltrans is expected to develop a plan for the Federal Highway Administration in the next few weeks, and there is already much debate about what to do. If Caltrans can't improve carpool lane flow, it could risk losing federal funds."