Phil Matier: Lawmaker Would Improve Commute With Bill To Ditch Carpool Lane
SACRAMENTO (KCBS) – A push is underway in Sacramento to eliminate one of Interstate 80's carpool lanes during the morning commute, a move that would help a local legislator.
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma commutes to Sacramento from her San Francisco district. Her bill, AB 2200, would eliminate the eastbound carpool lane on Interstate 80 between the Bay and Carquinez bridges.
KCBS, CBS 5 and Chronicle Insider Phil Matier:
The freeway is one of the busiest stretches in the state and Ma argues that, during her morning commute, she rarely sees anyone using the lane.
Carpool lanes on that stretch of I-80 are for vehicles with three or more occupants and violators could be fined as much as $480.
Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission have not taken a stance on the measure, which has passed the Assembly and is awaiting a vote in the Senate.
You can hear Phil Matier's comments Monday through Friday at 7:50am and 5:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.
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