
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 29, 1994                    TAG: 9406290011 
SECTION: FRONT                     PAGE: A10    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: Short 
DATELINE: 940629                                 LENGTH:

FREE LANE FOR CAR POOLS

{LEAD} So much has been in the news lately regarding removal of tolls on the Virginia Beach Expressway and the effects of revenue from this action. I propose a solution that not only would continue to produce revenue, it would also promote and encourage more to car pool.

During the afternoon commute from Chesapeake toward the Oceanfront on the Expressway, I use the HOV lane (my daughter shares the car with me). The benefits of using this lane are clearly visible when traffic backs up near the Independence Boulevard exit and Mount Trashmore.

{REST} However, the car-pool lane is penalized as drivers approach the toll-booth plaza because the left lanes tend to be the slowest of all toll-booth lanes.

As a former resident of California, I suggest that we reward the car pooler as that state did by providing a toll-free lane for car pools only. An attendant would man the booth to wave through commuters with two or more people per vehicle. This would encourage more to car pool because they would move more rapidly through the toll booth and also save money.

Commuters who agree should write their local officials to ask that this plan be implemented.

TRACY T. BANTON

Chesapeake, June 21, 1994 by CNB