Many articles are posted online by the Reason Foundation and founder Robert Poole, and I am certain that in their minds they have a valid arguement. Afterall, our entire political make up is based on differing party beliefs and interpretations of the US Constitution. Here are a few of the statements in an article by Robert Poole and Kenneth Orski of the reason Foundation, titled HOT lanes: A better way to attack urban highway congestion.
The HOT lane concept accomplishes several objectives,
Relieving political pressure to convert HOV lanes to General use. - Diverting some solo drivers from adjacent general-purpose lanes and reducing congestion in those lanes. - Generating revenue for highway and mass-transit improvments. - Giving motorists the option of traveling on less congested lanes if they are willing to pay for the priviledge.
So the basic idea is to stop the public complaints to political leaders about wasted HOV lanes, to give solo drivers the ability to use HOV (HOT) lanes, generate revenue (SRTA claims the lane is revenue neutral), and to turn a blind eye to those who are willing to pay an extortion fee for the priviledge to ride as a solo driver in the HOV (HOT) lane.
I encourage you to read the article, it is eye-opening.
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