I have been amazed by the flurry of arguments surrounding Karen Morgan’s (D – Salt Lake – District 8) SB 38 – Restrictions on High Occupancy Vehicle Lane.  The bill adds seven lines of text to the HOV (carpool) lane laws and, if it were to pass, would open up the carpool lane to any vehicle between 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Now, I must admit that I originally supported this bill when I first wrote about it, however I received an email from my friend Deb Henry over at the aptly named Hey Deb Henry (who also happens to work for UDOT) that this bill actually goes counter to UDOT’s plan for the lane.

In my original post, I basically said that our carpool lanes are a joke, and indeed, I still feel that they do. But UDOT is addressing this through some innovative plans that take advantage of modern technology. Take a look by clicking here since UDOT is dumb and won’t allow me to embed videos.

For those of you thinking I am rickrolling you, just know that the video talks about how UDOT has a plan to implement variable tolls in four zones across I-15. Now, although I understand that there is a chance for cheaters, the video does address how law enforcement can monitor activity on the toll road while still giving emphasis to carpoolers. Plus, lets not pretend that there are not already cheaters now. I do say that this bill should go further in increasing the fine for carpool lane/toll road violations…but that is another story.

Henry also point out to me that this bill would create extra trips because drivers would normally have to deal with congestion.  Now I don’t fully agree with that argument as I suspect people would just delay their trip, but even that would reduce emissions as people would not have to be in as much stop and go traffic.

In the end, I my original post that none of you saw should serve as a message to many legislators – don’t be afraid to change your opinion when you get more information.

Click here to contact Senator Morgan.