SENATE, No. 1818

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED JANUARY 27, 1997

By Senator SACCO

An Act concerning the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes by alternative fuel vehicles and amending P.L.1992, c.32.

    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. Section 4 of P.L.1992, c.32 (C.27:26A-4) is amended to read as follows:

    4. a. To the end that the problems of traffic congestion and its attendant economic, social and environmental costs and effects shall be dealt with in a comprehensive manner, the department shall analyze already existing data related to commutation patterns, including origin-destination data; and shall engage in or analyze comprehensive traffic congestion studies in order to provide for a more complete and detailed picture of the level and sources of congestion on State highways, county and municipal roads, as well as toll bridges and toll roads.

    b. Based upon this analysis or study, the department shall develop a comprehensive strategy of transportation control measures to deal with congestion and air pollution problems in the State, including but not limited to placing special emphasis on the completion of "missing links" in the State highway system, use of high occupancy vehicle lanes, priority treatment of high occupancy vehicles, the adoption of traffic system management, such as improved signage, synchronization of traffic lights, resurfacing of highway pavements, the use of "intelligent vehicle" highways, the maximum possible use of public transportation and other appropriate measures to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic in the State. No high occupancy vehicle lanes shall be established on a highway unless public transit alternatives are evaluated and marketed for that highway. The department shall permit alternative fuel vehicles to use high occupancy vehicle lanes and receive the same priority treatment as high occupancy vehicles. For the purposes of this act, "alternative fuel vehicle" means any vehicle that operates on methanol, ethanol, or other alcohols, natural gas, compressed natural gas, propane, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, coal-derived liquid fuels, electricity, or any other fuel substantially composed of nonpetroleum substances as defined pursuant to the "Energy Policy Act of 1992," Pub.L.102-486 (42 U.S.C. §13211 et seq.).

(cf: P.L.1992, c.32, s.4.)

    2. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This bill directs the Department of Transportation to permit alternative fuel vehicles to operate in high occupancy vehicle lanes throughout the State and receive the same priority treatment as high occupancy vehicles.

    The bill defines "alternative fuel vehicle" as any vehicle that operates on methanol, ethanol, or other alcohols, natural gas, compressed natural gas, propane, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, coal-derived liquid fuels, electricity, or any other fuel substantially composed of nonpetroleum substances as defined pursuant to the "Energy Policy Act of 1992," Pub.L.102-486 (42 U.S.C. §13211 et seq.).

Directs DOT to permit alternative fuel vehicles to operate in high occupancy vehicle lanes and receive the same priority treatment.