Carpool lane proposal would cost commuters

BOSTON (WHDH) -- A future proposal to increase money for the state could cost carpool lane commuters.

HOV lanes are supposed to be a sort of reward. If you carpool to and from work, you reduce pollution and in turn, get home quicker. A few state lawmakers would like to charge people to use the HOV lanes. The money generated would combat state financial shortfalls.

An initial amendment has already been shot down by legislators but the topic is still up for discussion. A small fee of $4 or $5 could raise millions for the state, but at what cost for the commuter?

Drivers 7News spoke with would like to see state leaders slam the breaks on the idea.

“I thought the whole incentive of the HOV lane was that there should be less traffic and you shouldn’t have to pay the tolls, so I think what it will probably do is make it less attractive for drivers to go in the HOV lane,” said a commuter.

“I think driving and carpooling should be encouraged. Any kind of toll or tax on that would definitely discourage efficiency and mass transit in general,” said another commuter.

The next time the idea will be discussed is next January.