Let the state know what you think about HOV lanes

Image by Flickr user swanksalotImage by 20080917hov.jpg S.C. DOT: Working to avoid this.

After floating the idea of HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes for Interstate 26 from Charleston to Summerville, the S.C. Department of Transportation is seeking the public's thoughts.

They say:
High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes would require vehicles to have one or more passengers in addition to the driver to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Commuters who choose to carpool are then able to take advantage of the less-traveled lanes. High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes can be used by drivers traveling alone who wish to pay a toll for the use of the lane. There is no requirement for the driver to have a minimum number of passengers in the vehicle. Commuters who choose to carpool may still use the lane without paying a toll.

I'm forecasting a very irate few and more supportive, well-organized pro-environment crowd.

With an expensive and annoying widening of I-26 underway and another likely for the port, I can understand why the poor state agency is looking to get creative with traffic management.

You can make your opinion heard by completing the online survey (available here) or attending one of several meetings (where you'll also learn more about the department's thoughts). Here are the meetings and times:
September 22
6 pm - 7:30 pm
Dorchester County Services Building
500 N. Main Street
Summerville, SC 29483

September 23
6 pm - 7:30 pm
Goose Creek City Hall
519 N. Goose Creek Blvd
Goose Creek, SC 29445

September 25
5:30 pm - 7 pm
Armory Park
5000 Lackawanna Blvd
North Charleston, SC 29405

September 30
5:30 pm - 7 pm
Charleston County Public Library
68 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401