HOT lanes to come to I-85

[cityrover]

Just when you think this state cannot go deeper in the manure field.........

[cityrover]

Originally Posted by toll_booth

My thoughts exactly.





Enforcement is actually pretty doable. Cops around here may not be very tight on speed limit enforcement, but they're strict as hell on the HOV lanes.

Speaking of Gwinnett County and HOV lanes. About a year ago, I was coming down 85 one night, going about 70-something in the left lane (next to the HOV lane), faster than any other non-HOV lane, but there were cars in the other lane. Somebody behind me got impatient, tailgated me for about a mile, then darted into the HOV lane across the double-white lines (which are illegal to cross). Not fifteen seconds later, blue lights appeared out of nowhere and pulled this guy over. Best experience I've ever had on I-85.

special lanes are enforced by dps, not local cops.

gwinnett couldnt care less to waste resources on 85, especially on the special lanes. once in a blue moon they will patrol it but it is generally limited to catching people doing really stupid things

and lastly you have no idea what they were pulled over for.

[cwkimbro]

Well from what I understand of lane enforcement is that everyone has to have the transponder, even if its 3 people driving free. If a car doesn't have a transponder a camera takes a picture and a ticket is issued.

For 3 people to ride free... they have to register who they are ahead of time. I do see that single instances of someone who registered as a 3 person carpool use the lane free with just 1-2 people, but if they are ever caught they wouldn't just be fined, they would risk losing the privilege to have the free transponder for 3 people.

[MilkMachine]

This makes me fiery mad. I often do have 3 people in my car so I guess I will still be able to use the lanes, at least part of the time, but I really don't see how this is going to encourage carpooling. I think it will discourage it.

[cwkimbro]

I understand how you feel MilkMachine, but there is one convincing argument I have heard. As-is now with 2+ carpools the lane already has more traffic in than they want. If they make it more restrictive it will increase the speed and encourage people to 3+ carpool and more importantly encourage people to take the transit buses, since they will be able to move more quickly. Supposedly the solo drivers buying their way in are only for excess capacity that still keeps the lane moving quickly.

I hope this works.