tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979080978017564010.post2729133656813093789..comments2024-03-27T02:14:39.904-07:00Comments on Inland Empire Transit Talking Points: Why High Occupancy Vehicles are losing freedom with Toll LanesA Better Inland Empirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15626446356006938988noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979080978017564010.post-46447468223670713872013-02-22T00:41:32.483-08:002013-02-22T00:41:32.483-08:00The evidence is very clear that transponder pre-re...The evidence is very clear that transponder pre-registration discourages HOV use in HOT lanes and encourages SOV use, especially on the 91. For instance, The Transit Coalition spotted a Greyhound bus and two other charter buses stuck in traffic in the general purpose lanes during two field studies of the 91 Express Lanes. Data from the US Department of Transportation also shows that the majority of 91 Express Lanes users are not 3+ HOV’s, even though the corridor clearly has very high ridesharing demands. In contrast, USDOT shows corridors that support free non-transponder carpooling have higher HOV percentages than toll-paying SOV's.<br /><br />Regarding subsidizing FasTrak transponders, that concept is certainly debatable given they are issued by public entities. However, HOV's who have no intention of using their transponders as a toll-paying SOV should not need to register; that would be wasteful to the taxpayer.<br /><br />Regarding enforcement, many HOT lanes are enforced under an intelligence-driven system by law enforcement. Intelligence-driven enforcement tools could include mobile enforcement transponders to ensure non-HOV's have a proper FasTrak mounted at all times while in the HOT lanes, enforcement beacon lights near the toll antennas, and remote infrared scanners to track possible carpool cheating. If a non-HOV vehicle enters a HOT facility, does not have a valid FasTrak transponder mounted at all times and is caught by the CHP, the driver is issued a $401+ carpool violation ticket plus the maximum posted toll amount. Several HOT lane corridors use this method for enforcement. The state should also make carpool cheating a one-point moving violation.A Better Inland Empirehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15626446356006938988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3979080978017564010.post-86891883011972852762013-02-21T12:43:16.046-08:002013-02-21T12:43:16.046-08:00Is it clear that, in the long run, mandated transp...Is it clear that, in the long run, mandated transponders discourage HOV use? Would it be better if the transponders were free or somehow subsidized?<br /><br />It seems to me that the primary constituents that Metro and others are trying to reach with HOT lanes are those who drive a route on a regular basis, and increased congestion in the free lanes combined with reduced congestion in the HOT lanes would be a powerful incentive to just get the transponder. And I'm unsure as to the enforcement implications of allowing 3+ drivers transponder-free access.Allie Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08388778275254352958noreply@blogger.com