For those that are unfamiliar with Atlanta, they have "High Occupancy Vehicle" lanes on most of the major interstates. In Gwinnett County, they are trying something new, "High Occupancy Toll" lanes. The left lane is now restricted to vehicles with 2 or more passengers, but you also have to have a "Peachpass" which is a toll transponder. You get charged a toll for using the High Occupancy lane. The toll depends on how far you travel in that lane (how many toll collection points record your transponder), and I believe also on the time of day ( more expensive during rush hour, very inexpensive or free on weekends ).
The "High Occupancy" law in Georgia exempts motorcycles and Approved "Alternative Fuel Vehicles" from the 2 person requirement, and allows free use of the HOT (toll) lanes. However, motorcycles (and presumably AFV's) will be charged a fine if they use the HOT lane without having a PeachPass transponder.
It's only free if you let yourself be tracked by big brother.
I call those the “rich people” lanes. You can drive with the little people in the muck, or you can pay to drive at freeway speeds. I first saw it in San Francisco. Irked me then and it still irks me.
This adds a more sinister twist. I’m sure the reason is that they don’t want to have to use a human being to catch when the “pass transponder” is not present that it is a motorcycle so it’s ok.
BTW, In one city I was in you only needed it if you had less than two passengers. My big question was, how does it know how many passengers you have. And there are no cameras.
As I see it, this is yet another example of government over stepping their authority. We all pay for the car pool and high occupancy lanes, but we all can’t use those lanes when they are most needed.
Its a revenue generating move. Even though they are free to use the lane, if they cross the solid white lines, they will be tagged with $150 fine. At least that is what I heard.
Could it be that the transponder can be used in other states that don’t have the HOV program?