THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 16, 1995 TAG: 9512160016
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
Letters have recently been published which express concern about the effectiveness of the Midtown Tunnel HOV-3 entrance. Commuters have observed the abuse of the lane by single-occupant vehicles and are concerned about this slowing down overall tunnel traffic.
It is true that there has been marked change in the use of the HOV-3 tunnel entrance in the past few years. Police enforcement of the lane was terminated in early 1990. Prior to that, hundreds of high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs) used the lane each day. Shortly after enforcement was reduced, abuse of the lanes became prevelant. Clearly, enforcement is essential to the lane's success.
The purpose of the HOV-3 lane is to encourage ridesharing and move more people through the tunnel in fewer vehicles, thereby relieving congestion and saving commuters approximately 20 minutes in commute time. Increasing traffic counts in the tunnel indicate that measures like increased ridesharing and HOV lanes are necessary to maintain a comfortable flow in the tunnel.
Plans to reinstate enforcement of the HOV-3 Midtown Tunnel entrance are being reviewed. This would provide a greater benefit for HOVs using the lane, and hopefully reduce abuse of the lane by single-occupant vehicles. So hang in there, tunnel commuters, relief is in sight!
Many services are available to commuters, including carpool matching and van leasing to vanpools. Please call 1-800-700-RIDE for information.
CAROL RUSSELL
Director, Transportation Demand Management
Tidewater Regional Transit
Norfolk, Dec. 6, 1995 by CNB