Soon, we all may be able to ride in HOV lanes

When HOV lanes were designed many years ago, it was to encourage carpooling by giving drivers with multiple passengers a dedicated lane to whip in and out of Houston. For the most part, it has been successful (until a Metro bus breaks down on the lane, which we’ve seen way too many times), but now the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority is looking to open HOV lanes to one-passenger vehicles, for a price.

By using an EZ Tag, all drivers would have access to the HOV lane. The charge hasn’t been decided on yet, but it would vary depending on traffic on the main lanes. For this to happen, Metro would have to a lot of prep work – installing EZ Tag readers and removing barriers that currently enclose the HOV lanes.

While many suburbanites probably welcome this news, Houstonist wonders if it’s the smartest move. You’re basically throwing the whole purpose of encouraging car pooling out the window. Plus, with the barriers gone, it would be easier for violators to use the HOV lane as a passing lane, and undermine the whole effort.

The plan is only in proposal stages now and wouldn’t be activated until next year at the earliest.

Photo: Houstonist Photo Flickr Group member mattgriggs.