tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940640458972958593.post2152378420271685532..comments2024-03-19T20:20:10.705+13:00Comments on Road Pricing: More details on LA HOT lanes projectScott Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834128869502195521noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940640458972958593.post-65954777893493668742012-07-11T04:19:42.633+12:002012-07-11T04:19:42.633+12:00Erik, thanks for that. Those are valuable comment...Erik, thanks for that. Those are valuable comments and information. I was aware that this project was formulated under Bush Administration policy which was in favour of express lanes and tolling.Scott Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00834128869502195521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940640458972958593.post-52937137167684520052012-07-07T09:53:22.640+12:002012-07-07T09:53:22.640+12:00Some factors to consider on these "ExpressLan...Some factors to consider on these "ExpressLanes" (they are not being referred to as HOT lanes by LACMTA.):<br /><br />1) The I-10 portion was built as a Busway using, IIRC, Transit monies. It has gradually been opened up to SOVs with one big mis-step on the way, hence the 3+ during peak, which is regularly ignored based on my experience.<br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Monte_Busway<br /><br />2)Note that this Toll Lane will function differently from those in San Diego and San Francisco, where, I believe, HOVs can jump in without a transponder. In addition, the 91 Toll Lanes in nearby Orange County use a special entrance for the free/discounted 3+ HOVs to enter (and identify themselves). I mention all this because I think we will see confusion from a bunch of people who think they can (continue to) use these lanes without a transponder, as they have now, and can still in other parts of the same state. (All of which must offer the same "FasTrak"-based transponder, except it is LACMTA's that will be the first to offer a switch for indicating passenger numbers).<br /><br />3)There is the still valid Green and White Alternative Fuels HOV sticker that will cause some to think they can enter the lanes toll-free. Some may have even purchased a specific car to get these stickers and my will they be upset.<br /><br />4)In addition to all the capital you mention, there are the buses that were acquired to create the "Silver Line" BRT (Really Route 910):<br />http://www.metro.net/projects/silverline/<br />These ExpressLanes are supposed to contribute to their purchase and upkeep too.<br /><br />5)What I find fascinating about all of this is that despite charges against "liberals" for implementing this project now, it was a policy formulated by the Bush Administration that is only now coming into existaence in Los Angeles:<br />http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/16/AR2008031603085.htmlErik Griswoldnoreply@blogger.com