Re: “First HOT commute going good,” Renton Reporter, Wednesday May 7, 2008

The Washington Urban Corridor administrator (Craig Stone) proudly toots his own horn to claim the HOT changes as “going good.”

However, the success of the HOT-lane modifications really depends on the viewpoint of the actual users. As I traveled down State Route 167 intending to use the HOV lane, I found that I couldn’t get in the HOV lane after getting on the freeway because of the DOUBLE LINE, then I found I couldn’t get out of the HOV lane when I saw my exit coming up because of the DOUBLE LINE. This obviously compounds the problems for use by carpooling vehicles and results in total confusion and frustration.

It seems that the primary purpose of the HOV lane to encourage car pooling has been sacrificed for the sake of sole-occupant vehicle drivers willing to pay the price and pad the state wallet.

To maintain the primary intended purpose of the HOV lane, all multi-occupant vehicles should be allowed to cross the DOUBLE LINE at any point without a $124 traffic fine. In addition, other vehicles in the regular lanes should yield to multi-occupant vehicles attempting to reach or exit the HOV lane. Why change the long-standing rules for a few deep pocket individuals?

Abiding by the ridiculous DOUBLE LINE rule for carpooling vehicles will be even more difficult during winter months when daylight hours and visibility of exits are reduced.

I sincerely believe the state has truly goofed on the HOV changes and has severely discouraged multi-occupant vehicle driving and use of the HOV lane. Let’s make the changes necessary to restore the primary intended purpose of the HOV lanes and make it convenient for those users willing to carpool.

Carpooling in HOV lanes cuts down on the number of vehicles on the road and preserves our fuel resources, “HOT” use does not! LET’S PUT THE EMPHASIS WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE!

Gerald Wooldridge

Renton