KPBS had an interesting segment on carpool lanes this week, prompted by a study done by UCB Professor Pravin Varaiya. If you want to hear it yourself, [URL]http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kpbs/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=895628[/URL] The conclusion I drew from the discussion is that HOV lanes have totally failed to induce carpooling commuting because they run counter to the effects of sprawl, flextime and the informal increase in the workweek. They benefit some drivers at the expense of others, but the beneficiaries are primarily those who would be sharing a vehicle for other reasons (family members)and (though it was unmentioned) folks like us with privileged vehicles. One of the weaknesses of HOV lanes is that they are generally only one lane wide, which means that ambient speed is governed by the slowest driver eligible to use them. As a result, HOV traffic outside of rush hours often runs slower than non-HOV lanes (not a problem in NorCal). Rich, Urban Biker
