The End of the Freeride for Solo Drivers

The ride has come to an end for electric and hybrid vehicle drivers who previously enjoyed solo access to HOV lanes on the Long Island Expressway. The federally mandated Clean Pass program expired on Wednesday, which means that over 55,000 drivers in the metro area can no longer use these lanes during peak hours.

“This is really frustrating,” said Beverly Gandarillas, a healthcare worker and commuter from Central Islip. “It creates a domino effect. You have to wake up extra early just to make it to work on time, and any accidents? Forget it.”

Launched in 2006, the Clean Pass program aimed to encourage fuel efficiency and the adoption of electric vehicles by allowing single-occupant cars in HOV lanes. However, the Trump administration ended federal approval for the initiative, following several rollbacks affecting 15 states.

Commuters from areas such as Queens and Brooklyn to the Hamptons are bracing for heavier traffic as a result. AAA spokesman Robert Sinclair Jr. noted, “Traffic volumes are going to get worse.”

US Census data indicates that carpooling rates on Long Island have been declining since the 1990s, dropping from about 12% of commuters to 11% today.

Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her disappointment over the program’s termination. An official from her office stated, “Sadly, the decisions made by the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers have turned Long Island drivers into casualties of their continuous effort to worsen our air quality while making traffic even more aggravating.”

Now, single-occupant vehicles, even those that are energy-efficient, face fines of at least $150 and two points on their driver’s licenses if caught in HOV lanes—just like any other driver.