Gatto bill to expand solo use of carpool lanes is expanded

A bill by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Sliver Lake) that would allow solo drivers to use carpool lanes during non-peak hours on the Ventura (134) Freeway in Glendale and Burbank has been amended to possibly include other local freeways.

Gatto’s bill, AB 405, passed its first hurdle Monday after it was approved by the Assembly Transportation Committee on a 15-1 vote.

It was originally drafted to only apply to the section of the 134 Freeway, but was amended to include other roads in Los Angeles County that are deemed appropriate by the California Department of Transportation, including the Foothill (210) Freeway.

“It’s happened to anyone who lives in Southern California. A late-night accident or mysterious slowing clogs the right-most freeway lanes, while the carpool lane sits empty,” said Gatto in a statement. “AB 405 is a cost-effective way to expand capacity on the state’s highway system and ensure that non-peak hour travelers can travel to and from home and work and deliver goods and services efficiently.”

Currently, carpool lanes are restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants at all times.

-- Daniel Siegal, daniel.siegal@latimes.com

Follow on Google+ and on Twitter: @Daniel_Siegal.