HOT or not?

Does congestion pricing on highways create "Lexus lanes" that only rich drivers can afford?

It depends, as two examples currently under review in Virginia show.

hov-2.jpg A proposal to add high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes to some Northern Virginia highways seems like the right approach. HOT lanes use sophisticated technology to charge drivers different prices depending on the level of congestion in the lanes. Prices go up when the road gets busier, which in theory keeps the lanes moving swiftly, eases overall congestion and generates revenue.

The plan in Northern Virginia is to convert current HOV lanes into HOT lanes. But drivers who lack the means or urgency to pay the tolls could still use slower-moving lanes for free. While the financing of this plan is still a bit iffy, the question of fairness is not: no driver would have to pay a fee he or she couldn't afford.

In contrast, officials in the Hampton Roads area are studying a bad idea: using HOT technology for entire stretches of interstate, rather than specific lanes. Such a plan reeks of regressiveness. Poorer commuters, many of whom have no choice but to drive during rush hour, would be burdened with the bills. Plus, all drivers would be punished when forces outside of their control, such as an accident, creates congestion.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that a similar proposal a couple of years ago in the Hampton Roads area received an icy reception. The lesson should be clear. HOT lanes can win the support of drivers, but wholesale congestion pricing of roadways is likely to get the cold shoulder.

MORE: The Fast Lane (Governing, May 2005)