California Highway Patrol officers will be targeting people improperly using bus/carpool lanes on the right side of the approach to the Bay Bridge toll plaza, regional transportation officials said this week.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission — the government agency responsible for transportation planning in the Bay Area — announced Wednesday a plan for the CHP to pay special attention to the lanes on the right side of the westbound approach to the toll plaza that can be accessed from Interstate 80, I-880, or West Grand Avenue.
According to the MTC, the lanes can be used by buses, motorcycles or carpools with three or more occupants during weekday hours of 5-10 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. At all other times, only buses may lawfully use the lane, with the fine for improper use of the lane during these hours being a minimum of $490. There are other carpool lanes on the left side of the toll plaza accessible from I-580.
“Many drivers have not consistently followed the rule in recent years,” said Lt. Ed Clarke of CHP’s Oakland area in a statement, adding that “focused enforcement will help address ongoing violations, improve compliance with the posted restrictions and ensure the lane remains available for its intended use.”
