‘Rich people stole our carpool lanes — and keep them all day long’

Q: I agree with Debbie Bayer regarding the “Express Lanes Under Construction” scam on Interstate 880 between Oakland and San Jose. The only thing being constructed is putting transponder coils under the asphalt, thereby privatizing an existing traffic lane and creating an all-day traffic jam in the remaining lanes (see Interstate 680, Walnut Creek to Dublin). It is a scam.

George Mathews, Antioch

Like Mr. Roadshow’s Facebook page for more questions and answers about Bay Area roads, freeways and commuting.

A: Debbie remains unhappy. She wrote two weeks ago that she takes exception to the signs over the HOV lanes on I-880 that the lanes are under construction, saying, “They are not constructing anything. They are just privatizing. Traffic jams are for the poor.”

She chimed back in after I thanked her for her comment, saying, “That’s it? Thanks? We are not getting an extra lane! We’re losing one.”

Others also had strong thoughts about new toll lanes expected to open later this year, which will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays. Many don’t like the hours stretching almost around the clock.

Q: Why are we selling out our carpool lanes to the rich? At a bargain price? Why not base it on their wealth and cap it at $3,000 per mile? For billionaires, that is nothing.

We are now showing how our society discriminates against the poor. No new carpool lanes were built. Old ones were stolen by the rich. Wanna raise money? How about Caltrans put a toll plaza on the Sepulveda Pass in L.A.?

David Bell, Oakland

A: That would keep Roadshow humming for another few decades.

Q: My taxes paid for the highways I drive on, and then I find out that I have to pay even more to drive in special lanes. Who gets all that money for those lanes? Does it go to highway maintenance for the common folk lanes, or does it go to some general fund for Caltrans to spend as they want?

Charles Shoemaker, Sunnyvale

A: Tolls cover CHP enforcement, maintenance, and improvements along that freeway if there is extra cash.

Q: We often drive up to Lake Merritt in Oakland to visit my mother. The last few times I’ve taken Highway 237 east to connect to north I-880, there are many signs on 237 warning about HOV violations. However, none that I have seen mention the enforced times until I’m on 880, which states 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Adding to my confusion, there are signs on 237 with hours posted specifically for FasTrak toll times. Can you clarify the laws for that stretch? I’d love to take the express lane while driving solo at 10 a.m., but I’d like to avoid the very expensive ticket that is also advertised.

Rod Newman, Los Altos

A: The hours are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Highway 237. You can drive solo with a FasTrak transponder, which will charge a toll for that lane.

Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat at noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.

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