CA Senate Approves HOT Lane Legislation

The CA Senate voted to approve the HOT lane/transit investment plan of the LA MTA for two freeways, making LA eligible for $210 million in federal congestion pricing funds if the governor signs the bill.

2 minute read

September 4, 2008, 12:00 PM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


State Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) has written legislation to authorize conversion of high occupancy vehicle (carpool) lanes on two southern CA freeways to allow single-occupant-vehicles to use carpool lanes – for a fee that would vary with the rate of congestion. That legislation, SB 1422, was approved Saturday, August 30, one day before the legislative deadline to send bills to the governor for signature.

Legislative enabling authorization is necessary in order for project manager Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to receive "a $210.6 million federal grant that would pay for toll plazas, road and rail improvements, and a fleet of clean-fuel buses that would run as a rapid line along the route."

After the NY State Assembly rejected a $350 congestion pricing plan for NYC in April, 2007 those funds become eligible for other regions. Chicago received $153 million for their congestion pricing parking plan (see related link).

The conversions of the high occupancy vehicle lanes to so-called high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes would apply to "one carpool lane in each direction on a 16.5-mile-stretch of the 110 Freeway and the two carpool lanes in each direction on a 14-mile stretch of the 10 Freeway."

"SB 1422 would require the MTA to provide a system for discounting tolls for low-income commuters.

Toll revenue would pay for mass transit improvements to further reduce gridlock, said Richard Katz, an MTA board member and former assemblyman."

However, the CA legislature reacted as its NY counterpart - wary of the tolling concept, and was even controversial within the party sponsoring the bill.

"This reflects a view that if you have money, you get to go in the fast lane and if you don't you are stuck in congestion," Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D-Long Beach) said during a Senate debate." She abstained from voting, amounting to a 'no' vote.

"Another Los Angeles Democrat, Sen. Gloria Romero, voted no, saying the toll lanes would create "an undue burden on low-income people."

Unlike an earlier rendition of the plan (before the project was eligible to receive the Urban Partner Agreement grant), 2+ person carpoolers would not be charged. [See related link].

Thanks to Bay Area Transportation News

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 in Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Colorful blocky apartment building facade.

Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software

Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.

April 1 - Stateline

Silver electric BMW car parked in driveway of home in Oakland, California.

Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers

Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.

April 1 - City of Oakland

Sculpture of seated Jane Goodall holding hands with chimp on green lawn.

Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action

Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.

April 1 - Pasadena Star-News