Tech with a twist of lime! & FLHybrid Club.

dailypress reports : (6/25)

Virginia was looking for a hook more than a decade ago that would convince motorists to buy low-polluting vehicles. The solution: allow drivers of so-called "cleaner cars" with low emissions to travel in car pool lanes without passengers.

Initially, few drivers took advantage of the perk. Then, in 2000, hybrid cars were included. Since then, the number of hybrids in the car pool lanes has soared. So, too, has resentment from other drivers who complain their commute is becoming increasingly congested.

Virginia transportation officials and lawmakers hope a new law solves the problem. Starting July 1, hybrids purchased after June 30 will not be exempt from car pool rules governing Interstates 95 and 395. Solo hybrid drivers on other highways will still be allowed in the lanes until July 1, 2007.

There is disagreement about the actual effect of hybrids on HOV traffic but the fact is that the perk will be coming to an end soon.  I used to live in this part of the country and the traffic is so bad that people will do anything for an edge.

Kacey Green
GRLT.com
"Tech with a twist of lime!"