State ending hotline used to tattle on bad drivers
Sep 21, 2021, 2:05 PM | Updated: Sep 22, 2021, 6:21 am
(AP file photo)
(AP file photo)
The phone number you can use to report drivers who are violating the HOV lane rules and ferry line cutters is going away. The line will stop taking messages Wednesday.
The HERO program was launched 37 years ago when HOV lanes were new to Washington drivers. It allowed people to report HOV violators by calling a program phone number or using the online reporting form. The Washington State Department of Transportation would send a violator information about the HOV program. The service was eventually extended to report ferry line cutters.
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“At this point, the general traveling public has a much better understanding of what an HOV lane is and what the rules are surrounding it,” WSDOT’s Tony Black said. “The program has basically run its course.”
The line will remain active until November, but it will not allow you to leave a message. WSDOT will replace the current HERO Line signs over the next few months. They will be replaced with signs informing drivers about the maximum fines for violating the HOV lane rules.
The $60,000 a year that the state spent on the HERO program will go to other safety improvements and traffic operations.
Editor’s note: If you miss the ability to tattle on fellow drivers, please reach out to Chris Sullivan or Tracy Taylor, KIRO’s traffic reporters. They are more than willing to listen.
Check out more of Chris’ Chokepoints.
