Starting Wednesday, solo drivers in clean-air vehicles will no longer be able to use California’s carpool lanes, as the state’s Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program ends. This change affects over half a million motorists who had decals allowing them to drive in these lanes alone. The program’s end could lead to increased traffic congestion as these drivers join regular lanes.
According to a UC Berkeley study, California has 1,171 carpool lane miles, with 803 miles in Southern California and 366 miles in Northern California. Antonio Bento, a professor at the University of Southern California, noted that 1% to 2% of the state’s vehicle fleet will lose carpool lane access. Experts, like Michael Manville from UCLA, suggest that some drivers may change their commuting habits or turn to public transportation to avoid traffic.
The program, which started to encourage the adoption of clean and zero-emission vehicles, also offered toll discounts. As reported by ABC7 News, drivers with decals received discounts on bridge tolls and express lanes. With the program’s end, these discounts will no longer be available, potentially increasing commuting costs for some drivers.
Governor Gavin Newsom attempted to extend the program until 2027, but it required approval from Congress and President Trump, which it did not receive. Newsom referred to the program’s end as a “Trump traffic jam,” predicting more traffic and smog in California. The California Highway Patrol has granted a 60-day grace period for drivers with valid decals before citations for solo carpool lane driving begin.
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