Free Republic

Owners of hybrid vehicles would be allowed to use carpool lanes -- even when cruising the California freeways alone -- under a bill that passed a key Assembly committee on Monday. The bill, AB2628 by Assemblywoman Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills (Los Angeles County), has wide support, including backing from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state Treasurer Phil Angelides. It passed the Assembly transportation committee with 11 votes. It would allow drivers of a new generation of hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius and some versions of the Honda Civic -- which get 45 miles per gallon or better -- access...