H O V Cheaters Beware

[UNTflyer]

Now, DART plans to get one started. News of the new program was contained at the bottom of the DART/TxDOT/NCTCOG "white paper" released last week on improving the HOVs.

The operative section:

• • DART will implement an updated HOV awareness campaign involving DART Police as well as DART marketing and media relations staff. • DART will seek appropriate funding for" saturation" campaigns similar to the "Click it or Ticket" safety campaigns common in the DFW area. With these saturation campaigns, the focus will include citations for lane violations and improper HOV lane usage.

• DART will implement a "citizen reporting" system where HOV users and HOV operations personnel may report HOV lane or occupancy violations to a designated phone number. Reported violators will be informed about the rules by DART HOV operations. Repeated violators will be reported to DART police.

The cheater program will be rolled out sometime in the next year, according to DART PIO Morgan Lyons.

[UNTflyer]

Personally, I think HOV lanes are a waste of highway real estate. HOV lanes cause traffic jams.

All of the traffic jams I have to endure are along sections that have HOV lanes. When I leave downtown Dallas in the afternoon, I cruise along at 60-70 MPH until I get to LBJ, where the HOV lane starts. Then it's about 20-30 MPH all the way to Loop 288.

But HOV lanes are required for federal funding. A prime example of how federal government programs have unintended consequences.

Edited August 20, 2009 by UNTflyer

[MDH]

Then it's about 20-30 MPH all the way to Loop 288.

The narrowing of 2 lanes through Denton back it up like crazy.

[KingDL1]

Personally, I think HOV lanes are a waste of highway real estate. HOV lanes cause traffic jams.

All of the traffic jams I have to endure are along sections that have HOV lanes. When I leave downtown Dallas in the afternoon, I cruise along at 60-70 MPH until I get to LBJ, where the HOV lane starts. Then it's about 20-30 MPH all the way to Loop 288.

But HOV lanes are required for federal funding. A prime example of how federal government programs have unintended consequences.

I absolutely agree HOV lanes are a complete joke.

[Censored by Laurie]

Personally, I think HOV lanes are a waste of highway real estate. HOV lanes cause traffic jams.

All of the traffic jams I have to endure are along sections that have HOV lanes. When I leave downtown Dallas in the afternoon, I cruise along at 60-70 MPH until I get to LBJ, where the HOV lane starts. Then it's about 20-30 MPH all the way to Loop 288.

But HOV lanes are required for federal funding. A prime example of how federal government programs have unintended consequences.

I think you may be applying causality a little too liberally.

The HOV lane is great in principle...everyone insisting on driving solo is what causes traffic jams.

[KRAM1]

HOV lanes are a pure waste! Yes, even in principle. However, if you are going to have them (federal dollars and all that) then, at least, be smart about it and open them up to all drivers during weekends and non-rush hour traffic times of the work week...and for God's sake...allow everyone to use them when an accident removes one or more lanes on a highway. A little common sense would help. And the folks...governament...who run these programs and cannot use any common sense...are the same type of bureaucrats who are wanting to run your health care program. WOW!

[hickoryhouse]

I think you may be applying causality a little too liberally.

The HOV lane is great in principle...everyone insisting on driving solo is what causes traffic jams.

I have to agree here. They were made to help relieve congestion for those of us who choose to carpool. If you don't want to carpool, or don't want to take the time to organize one, or perhaps smell bad and no one wants to ride with you then you don't get the benefit. Perhaps they could be managed better, but all in all I have no major issue with the HOV lane

[The Fake Lonnie Finch]

Now, DART plans to get one started. News of the new program was contained at the bottom of the DART/TxDOT/NCTCOG "white paper" released last week on improving the HOVs.

The operative section:

• • DART will implement an updated HOV awareness campaign involving DART Police as well as DART marketing and media relations staff. • DART will seek appropriate funding for" saturation" campaigns similar to the "Click it or Ticket" safety campaigns common in the DFW area. With these saturation campaigns, the focus will include citations for lane violations and improper HOV lane usage.

• DART will implement a "citizen reporting" system where HOV users and HOV operations personnel may report HOV lane or occupancy violations to a designated phone number. Reported violators will be informed about the rules by DART HOV operations. Repeated violators will be reported to DART police.

The cheater program will be rolled out sometime in the next year, according to DART PIO Morgan Lyons.

The citizen reporting won't fly. In America, the Constitution gives you the right to meet your accuser in court. There are already lawsuits over red light cameras for this very thing. If the State is going to accuse you of a violation, they have to have their evidence and witnesses in court. There is no local law that preempt that part of the Constitution.

This is nothing more than a money grab. Governments everywhere are out of money. They can't raise taxes because we'd revolt and throw their sorry butts out in the next elections.

What politicians from local to nation need to do is wake up and admit the money isn't there for every pie-in-the-sky promise they've made. Then, they need to cut back on spending - the same thing we the unwashed masses have to do to get by in our own lives.

[KRAM1]

I have to agree here. They were made to help relieve congestion for those of us who choose to carpool.

Yea, like two people in a car really defines a "carpool"...yea, right...

[Censored by Laurie]

Yea, like two people in a car really defines a "carpool"...yea, right...

Yea, like 30K seats in a D-1 stadium really defines a "stadium"...yea, right...

[KRAM1]

Yea, like 30K seats in a D-1 stadium really defines a "stadium"...yea, right...

See, we agree...you are right...the number of seats in a stadium does not define a stadium.

[UNTFan23]

The citizen reporting won't fly. In America, the Constitution gives you the right to meet your accuser in court. There are already lawsuits over red light cameras for this very thing. If the State is going to accuse you of a violation, they have to have their evidence and witnesses in court. There is no local law that preempt that part of the Constitution.

If a picture taken of someone's plate that failed to pay a toll at a toll booth is good enough to collect the toll and a fine, how is a picture taken of you running a red light not good enough?

[Travis]

Now, DART plans to get one started. News of the new program was contained at the bottom of the DART/TxDOT/NCTCOG "white paper" released last week on improving the HOVs.

The operative section:

• • DART will implement an updated HOV awareness campaign involving DART Police as well as DART marketing and media relations staff. • DART will seek appropriate funding for" saturation" campaigns similar to the "Click it or Ticket" safety campaigns common in the DFW area. With these saturation campaigns, the focus will include citations for lane violations and improper HOV lane usage.

• DART will implement a "citizen reporting" system where HOV users and HOV operations personnel may report HOV lane or occupancy violations to a designated phone number. Reported violators will be informed about the rules by DART HOV operations. Repeated violators will be reported to DART police.

The cheater program will be rolled out sometime in the next year, according to DART PIO Morgan Lyons.

What if I were to get cut off by someone who was a complete ass on the road... I happen to get their license plate and report that this jerk violated HOV rules. then I did that several times... it would be a great way to get back at anybody who pisses me off.