Do HOV lanes really accomplish thier intended purpose?

Question

I can't believe that many people car pool just to be able to use an HOV lane. If Fuel savings and enviromental reasons are really what it is about, it seems that if every one got home and work sooner because of an extra lane to be used by everyone, much more would be accomplished in savings and to the enviroment.

Answer 1

I don't honestly think so, certainly not in my area

Answer 2

Sit on a bridge and actually count how many cars go by, in each lane.

Guess what. That carpool lane carries a LOT more cars than you thought. They're just going by at 50 mph, so they're far apart, and not bumper to bumper.

Most of them have 2+ people. Some are buses with 30+ people. There are more people in the carpool lane than any other lane. You're outvoted!

Answer 3

If they opened up the HOV lanes to everyone, you would get to work exactly 18 seconds sooner, and the people who usually ride in the HOV lane would get to work 15 minutes later. If you are sick of sitting in traffic, find someone to ride with or better yet, get a motorcycle. Thats what I did, and it is awesome. I save so much time and money, it is rediculous.

Answer 4

When the idea was conceived back in the 70's, it worked well. Our wonderful law makers decided too many people were exercising their freedom of choice and driving cars alone. the carpool lanes were invented to cure that "problem"

NOW, there are more than TWICE as many vehicles on the roads, and most people STILL opt to drive alone, so it's a big waste.

Answer 5

those lanes just slow traffic. in some places they have dumped them

Answer 6

they don't work in my area and they are rarely open. Can you imagine the millions spent for these white elephants and they sit unused.

Answer 7

No, they don't work because people cheat.