Arizona Car Pool Lane Rule Favors Hybrids

According to Starnewsonline.com, three models of small hybrid cars will be permitted to use car pool lanes on Arizona freeways. The ruling will ban some alternative-fuel vehicles that currently use the special lanes. The federally authorized pilot project was announced by Gov. Janet Napolitano's office. It will permit the Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius to use the 73 miles of high-occupancy vehicle lanes if owners get required new plates and special permits. “We're using a variety of strategies to begin to clear the air in Arizona,” Napolitano said. “Drivers who make the commitment to clean air and energy efficiency will get an easier commute.” The state plans to issue 10,000 of the hybrid-vehicle permits on a first-come first-serve basis. There are 9,000 of those models registered in Arizona.