Does the public really care about or want HOV lanes?
A variety of public opinion surveys show strong support for HOV lanes. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has had five public opinion surveys taken for the northbound HOV lane on I-5 in Portland. The first survey was taken six months before the HOV lane opened; the last was taken in November 2000. These surveys are random phone calls to Vancouver and Portland households which use I-5 on a regular basis. Every survey has resulted in at least 70 percent of those responding supporting the HOV lane and making it a permanent fixture on I-5. Additionally, every survey has also shown that most people support the concept of a southbound HOV lane on I-5 as well. In a 1999 survey of Clark County residents, 53% agreed that HOV is an effective strategy to address bi-state congestion.
Related Questions
- Could expanded public transit and possibly rail transit systems have made the recommended additional lanes unnecessary to address freeway congestion problems?
- I haven noticed any HOV lanes near where I work or live. Where are they now and where are additional lanes planned?
- Why are motorcycles allowed to use HOV lanes, but hybrids are not?
