Living in Alexandria on a GS 5/7 salary

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by Deeman804

I always thought it was because their engine was smaller so less pollution like HOV cars. That’s based on zero facts though.

I think you're correct; at least in the past. HOV was all about reducing traffic and pollution, having less cars on the road. It's the reason that hybrids got the "clean fuel" tags. The lanes were meant to encourage car pooling and less vehicle emissions.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I think you're correct; at least in the past. HOV was all about reducing traffic and pollution, having less cars on the road. It's the reason that hybrids got the "clean fuel" tags. The lanes were meant to encourage car pooling and less vehicle emissions.

If that was the reason then why wouldn't hybrids and EVs still get the clean fuel tags and exemptions?

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

If that was the reason then why wouldn't hybrids and EVs still get the clean fuel tags and exemptions?

I guess because it's really no longer about pollution. On the I95 corridor, when the exemption was put into place, SO MANY people bought the hybrids. I mean, I don't have hard data for that although I'm sure it's out there, but as a rider of those lanes, I could easily see the increase in HOV traffic due to the hybrids. I think everyone riding those lanes could "feel" the traffic due to the multitudes of Priuses and Honda Insights!

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I guess because it's really no longer about pollution. On the I95 corridor, when the exemption was put into place, SO MANY people bought the hybrids. I mean, I don't have hard data for that although I'm sure it's out there, but as a rider of those lanes, I could easily see the increase in HOV traffic due to the hybrids. I think everyone riding those lanes could "feel" the traffic due to the multitudes of Priuses and Honda Insights!

I understand, but that doesn't explain why motorcycles are currently exempt.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

I understand, but that doesn't explain why motorcycles are currently exempt.

Agree. I did see this on the federal highway website:

Motorcycles are permitted by federal law to use HOV lanes, even with only one passenger. The rationale behind allowing motorcycles to use HOV lanes is that it is safer to keep two-wheeled vehicles moving than to have them travel in start-and-stop traffic conditions. States can choose to override this provision of federal law, if they determine that safety is at risk.

[Deeman804]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

Agree. I did see this on the federal highway website:

Motorcycles are permitted by federal law to use HOV lanes, even with only one passenger. The rationale behind allowing motorcycles to use HOV lanes is that it is safer to keep two-wheeled vehicles moving than to have them travel in start-and-stop traffic conditions. States can choose to override this provision of federal law, if they determine that safety is at risk.

Ahhh, this actually makes sense

[rbkoreaus]

Turnover for accounting employees is pretty high within government, so growth opportunity is definitely there (I'm thinking DCAA in particular). It'll be a frugal first year or two, but it will pay off.

[LakeLifePA]

Originally Posted by Deeman804

Ahhh, this actually makes sense

Right, and the same reason lane splitting for motorcycles is legal in civilized parts of the world.

[Jon_In_NOVA]

Originally Posted by Robert20170

Right, and the same reason lane splitting for motorcycles is legal in civilized parts of the world.

/Agree
Chronic riders (like myself) are going to lane split anyways when there is a safety concern for the rider. I do it when I need too and if I get ticketed; safety against cagers is paramount and well I can afford it if this should arise.

@OP - Now is a great time to find a gently used garage kept bike.