O’Conner on Ending the Free Ride for Hybrids

Will there be a provision for those driving Zero or Super-Low Emissionvehicles (electric or CNG) to continue to drive in the HOV lanes? Itwould be a shame to prioritize rich drivers in gas-guzzlers over thosewho have already invested in alternative energy. It would be criminalfor Los Angeles to discourage future alternative fuel development anddiscount cars already contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissionsin one fell swoop. Please don't make it all about the almighty dollar.Janet

Allowing hybrid, low emission or zero emission vehicles driven by solodrivers into the HOV (car pool) lanes was seen as an incentive forfolks to purchase such vehicles. So, people who are lucky enough toeasily buy a new car were provided with additional incentives. Now,there are waiting lists for hybrid vehicles!! The car pool lanes are atcapacity now and their purpose is to move higher occupancy vehicles. Onanother note, while it's important to move toward cleaner fuelvehicles, even the cleanest car requires energy to build all the spacesneeded to park it!