Solo hybrid drivers in carpool lanes amplify gridlock

Science Blog ^ | 9-25-14 | unattributed

[smokingfrog]

Allowing single-occupant hybrid cars to use carpool lanes – on some of Los Angeles’ busiest highways during rush hour, no less – creates crushing congestion and about $4,500 per car in adverse social costs annually. That includes increased commute times and carbon dioxide emissions, says a new study in the August edition of the American Economic Journal: Economic Policy.

“For commuters, it means further traffic delays, and this becomes a regressive tax on carpoolers – it’s taxing due to their added time,” said study lead author Antonio Bento, associate professor at the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management.

“Well-meaning state legislators in California who tried to spur sales of gas-electric hybrids have unintentionally created a nightmare scenario for carpoolers who use Interstate 10 who are trying to get to work or get home,” Bento said.

The California law was meant to stimulate sales for highly fuel-efficient, ultra low-emission vehicles, with the goals of reducing dependence on foreign oil and saving money at the gasoline pump. Between August 2005 and June 2011, California law allowed owners of hybrid vehicles achieving at least 45 miles per gallon to purchase a Clean Air Vehicle Sticker for $8. This allowed them to drive on carpool lanes regardless of the number of occupants in the car. Instead of spurring sales, two-thirds of the sticker registrants had hybrid cars already on the road.

[wastedyears]

Problem solved.

[IncPen]

“Well-meaning state legislators in California who tried to spur sales of gas-electric hybrids have unintentionally created a nightmare scenario for carpoolers who use Interstate 10 who are trying to get to work or get home,” Bento said.

Did any sane person expect anything different?

Just wait til those Prius drivers get the bill for the taxes they didn't incur at the gas pump!

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Allowing single-occupant hybrid cars to use carpool lanes – on some of Los Angeles’ busiest highways during rush hour, no less – creates crushing congestion and about $4,500 per car in adverse social costs annually.

So...stupid liberal "social engineering to save the environment" idea is turned into into a money-making scheme by government. This is as natural and predictable as maggots hatching out into flies.

Of course, the vast majority of these "carpool" lanes were paid for and are maintained by taxpayers who drive cars by themselves. We aren't allowed to use this lane we paid for and continue to pay for, unless we put up with unwanted company during stressful commutes or pay even more to use the road we already paid for. Liberal government at it's finest.

[eyedigress]

Carpool lanes are bullshiite. My taxes paid for them.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

No problem. At least on some freeways they've replaced diamond lanes with "Lexus" lanes, i.e. regardless of your type of vehicle or number of occupants you have to pay to drive in the lane.

I'm OK with this I guess. The lanes always seem to move fast so it does seem to payoff for those that pay the money. And at least the taxpayers are getting something back from a lane being taken away.

[Windflier]

What a bunch of liberal bleeding heart bullsqueeze.

I can remember less than ten years ago, watching the carpool lanes during rush hour on L.A. freeways, and noting that one out of four cars passing me contained but a single driver.

And this numbnutz would have us believe that hybrid cars are causing more gridlock by driving at top speed down the HOV lanes? Is he really saying that having hybrids idling in stop and go traffic produces LESS traffic congestion?

I swear, these people need to be locked up for their own protection. They’re too stupid to live.

[MaxMax]

I use them on sundays, it’s great, I don’t get anywhere any faster.

[razorback-bert]

Last time, I was in Houston, I noticed everyone in HOV lane was doing 60, while the rest of us where doing 75.

[21twelve]

Similar in Seattle! (More like 55 vs. 65) (”Well, that IS the speed limit you know!”

[raybbr]

Really? On a jam packed highway a couple more cars in the fast lane makes it worse?

[Alberta's Child]

I'm not a fan of carpool lanes, but the idea behind them makes sense. They're intended to increase the efficiency of the roadway in terms of throughput measured by person (instead of by vehicle).

Allowing single-occupant hybrids in a carpool lane defeats the whole purpose of having the lane there in the first place.

[rktman]

Lack of revenues from gas taxes. Hmm. Are there that many prius and leafs on the road to have that much impact? Of course it’s been a long time since I’ve been anywhere in I-10 in SoCal so I can’t give a first hand account. Regardless, the powers (read idiots) that be will enact fuel tax increases on those that still choose to drive pickups and SUV,s and Vettes to make up the supposed short fall. (Sorry if I didn’t mention your favorite V-8a powerhouse vehicle. :>})

[rktman]

Like your tag line. Taggert?

[IncPen]

Lack of revenues from gas taxes. Hmm. Are there that many prius and leafs on the road to have that much impact?

In the failing liberal-run state where I live, some enterprising politician realized that 'fuel efficient' cars mean that tax dollars will be left uncollected at the pump.

The rest of us take note...

[rktman]

No doubt “they” are looking at it here in NV as well. Say, isn’t it about time to switch blends for the season?

[Paleo Conservative]

No problem. At least on some freeways they've replaced diamond lanes with "Lexus" lanes, i.e. regardless of your type of vehicle or number of occupants you have to pay to drive in the lane.

I'm OK with this I guess. The lanes always seem to move fast so it does seem to payoff for those that pay the money. And at least the taxpayers are getting something back from a lane being taken away.

The good thing about them is they are available when you need it. If you need to get to the airport in time to make your plane, it may be worthwhile to pay for the privilege of using that lane. Depending on the time of day, I have used toll roads to get to George Bush/Houston Intercontinental (IAH).