HOV lanes; extend sunset provision allowing those vehicles bearing clean special fuel license plate. (HB2299)

This helps reduce the traffic on the main lanes of 95 while construction is being done on the lanes to increase to four lanes accross the Purple Heart Bridge, and the HOV lanes are still free flowing (in years only an accident slows these lanes on a normal basis). No new vehicles can join, it is only grandfathered so the lanes will not get any significant increase, but dumping this traffic on the main lanes would add to an already bad traffic situation. It helps with the air quality, oil consumption, along with green house gases emitted since these cars average in excess of 50 miles per gallon. The objections usually are not logical and are more emotional. Research would show you that this is a good bill and the pros outweigh the cons.

I agree 100% with Brian and could not have said it better. Yes I do own a Hybrid and have the original CF tags. there are times when I am on the lanes in the mornings and see only a handful of cars at all. In the evening the only issue is at the end of the HOVs and even without the Hybrids this was a problem area. One day all of us with CF tags will either move away or retire and this will no longer even be an issue, but for now it just makes sense to renew the bill. Thank you.

I say end this practice July 1, 2009 even though I own a Prius. HOV translates to high occupancy vehicle. There is no reason why someone who chooses not to drive a hybrid should be punished. A Honda Civic can get 38-40 mpg which is the same as a Camry Hybrid, but that driver doesn't benefit from the HOV lanes. If you want to use these lanes, get two more passengers and use them as they were intended. By the way, CF plates do not work in Maryland for all the Virginia hybrid drivers who think they can use the HOV lane on 270. You will be stopped by MSP and receive a $500 zero tolerance citation!

I agree with the extension. Anything you can do to keep traffic off of the regular lines is a necessity.