According to the local paper, as part of an energy initiative, the Minnesota governor has made this proposal: "Pawlenty also called for allowing single-occupant hybrid vehicles to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) freeway lanes." Of course, the loonies are out already, attacking the plan. "A trade group representing most of the world's major automakers said Pawlenty should consider offering tax breaks or other incentives for purchases of vehicles with fuel-saving technologies. "The governor's proposal 'would require significant design changes to automobiles'" said Gloria Bergquist of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. 'We're already putting lots of fuel-efficient technologies on our vehicles, so we don't need a mandate.'" Last year one of the most vocal loonies proposed that the state save money by not building mass transit and instead give all the poor people cars. Someone said, "it takes all types," but personally, I really wish it didn't.
Well, then count me as one of the "loonies": I agree with those against single-occupant hybrids in HOV lanes. Speaking only for myself, if they were to ask me to vote to make the Washington HOV lanes open to hybrids, I'd vote no. I ride a vanpool to and from work, with 4-12 people every day. Before that, I was in a carpool with 3 people. I ride about 4 days a week on average. That's a lot fewer cars on the highway every day -- making for less congestion, and (to some degree) less emissions. Both are benefits to everyone -- including the people who can't use a vanpool or carpool (whether they're in a hybrid or not.) I think allowing single drivers in hybrids access to the HOV lanes is the lesser of two benefits. [hr:67adcfe87a] The issue has been discussed on other threads, with good points made on both sides.
