Anyone heard of the HOV sticker auction rumors?

[Kablooie]

I heard a rumor that Ahnold is going to hold an auction for new HOV stickers, with the stickers going to the highest bidders. There won't be any requirement for having a hybrid vehicle or whatnot. Theoretically, the stickers could be mounted to an H1 Hummer.

Anyone else heard anything about this?

That would mean the HOV lanes would become a new luxury item that only the rich could afford.

So our taxes used to create HOV lanes would essentially subsidize a new luxury for the rich.

[PhD]

1. I can't find any news stories anywhere saying such a thing

Sounds like an urban legend to me.

[LeftyMom]

2. There are federal regulations on use of HOV lanes, violating them risks transportation funds.

Part of the reason the number of current stickers was capped and those issued to hybrids expire soon (2011 I think?) is that having two high a percentage of single occupant vehicles using those lanes is a potential violation, and endangers at least some of California's federal highway funds.

http://www.sacbee.com/trafficnews/story/2210615.html Still looking for the article I read with more info on the funding issue, though this mentions the concern.

[mackerel]

3. It won't matter here in the Bay Area. Next January

when they raise the bridge tolls everyone will have to pay, even carpoolers and those with stickers.