Schwarzenegger signs Hybrid HOV Bill

Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation to allow hybrid vehicles which get more than 45 mpg to ride in HOV lanes along California freeways. Critics wonder if this will reduce the benefits of the lanes themselves:

With the twin goals of saving fuel and easing traffic congestion, the bill generated widespread interest among commuters and bipartisan support in Sacramento.

But transit experts say 80 percent of the car-pool lanes in Los Angeles County are now running at optimal levels and that adding more cars will significantly slow the flow.

"It's not going to give them really much relief," said the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Ray Maekawa. "That's the practical reality."

Furthermore, the highly anticipated Hybrid Honda Accord, Lexus RX 400h and Hybrid Ford Escape will not qualify since they do not meet the required fuel efficiency standards.