In an effort to help cut emissions, Governor Blagojevich plans to introduce "Green Lanes" for the Illinois Tollway. Essentially "express lanes," these new lanes will be for drivers of hybrid vehicles and car-poolers. The lanes would be placed in some of the busier segments of Tollway roads, thus cutting down on congestion and emissions from the constant stop-and-go of gas-brake-gas-brake pedal pumping. Carpool lanes are not a new concept; if anything, Illinois is late to the party as cities nationwide have been implementing similar programs for years. Cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Nashville have HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes. Of course, Chicago looked at the idea of adding the lanes to the Stevenson in '94, but Mayor Daley squashed that idea. Still, Blago's proposal at least has the "green" element, which is, we admit, not a bad idea. more ›